Ireland has elected hard-left Eurosceptic Catherine Connolly as its next President in a resounding victory for the independent candidate.
Ms Connolly, a former Irish Labour councillor, is expected to succeed fellow independent Michael D Higgins in Phoenix Park with an estimated 64 per cent of the vote.
The election was contested by both of Ireland's main parties - Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.
However, Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin withdrew from the race earlier this month after it was revealed he owed a former tenant €3,300.
Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys has already conceded to Ms Connolly ahead of the official declaration, with projections suggesting the 65-year-old will only receive 29 per cent of the vote.
"Catherine will be a President for all of us and she will be my President and I really would like to wish her all the very, very best," Humphreys said. "I have absolutely not one regret."
However, Mrs Humphreys complained about the "awful sectarian abuse" her family had received on the campaign trail.
Mrs Humphreys, who is a Presbyterian, came under fire after it was revealed her husband, Eric, had been a member of the Orange Order.
Ireland has elected hard-left Eurosceptic Catherine Connolly as its next President
She added: "As a country, I thought we'd moved on. If we're ever to have a united Ireland we have to respect all traditions."
Despite running as an independent, Ms Connolly received the support of Sinn Fein, Irish Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, the Irish Green Party, and Solidarity.
Turnout has been particularly low in this year's contest at just 40 per cent, with 13 per cent of ballots expected to be spoilt.
Ms Connolly faced pressure to address her previous pro-Brexit comments on the campaign trail.
The 68-year-old broke ranks with the Irish Labour Party by opposing the Nice Treaty in 2002.
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People walk past a mural of Catherine Connolly by artist Emmalene Blake on South Dock Road in Dublin
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She has since rejected the suggestion that the European Union is a "peace project" and accused the Irish Government of taking an active role in the UK's 2016 Brexit referendum.
She said: “Despite the projection of fear and total manipulation of same to force a desired result, the electorate was not fooled.
“Brexit is not the problem, Brexit is the consequence of the problem which is the failure of a ruling elite and compliant governments, our own included, to realise the democratic deficit that is an integral part of the EU.”
Ms Connolly was also forced to answer tough questions about her stance on Ukraine, sparking fears she would not be strong enough to stand up to Vladimir Putin.
A ballot box is emptied as counting begins at Adamstown count centre in Dublin
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Separate criticism followed when Ms Connolly described Hamas terrorists as "part of the fabric of the Palestinian people".
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin criticised Ms Connolly and accused her of being "reluctant to unequivocally condemn October 7."
Despite major protests in Dublin following the alleged sexual assault of a child by an asylum seeker, Ms Connolly has been clear that she does not believe "Ireland is full".
The role of President of Ireland is largely ceremonial but still holds high national significance.
Major protests in Dublin took place this week after the alleged sexual assault of a child by an asylum seeker
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According to Article 13.9 of the Irish Constitution, the powers and functions wielded by the Irish President "shall be exercisable and performable by him only on the advice of the Government".
However, the post does come with a €330,000 annual salary, meaning Ms Connolly will soon earn £120,000 more than Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Ms Connolly had promised to use part of her salary “for the common good” if elected.
The full results of the 2025 Irish Presidential Election are expected later this evening.