Humphreys congratulates Connolly in Irish presidential election

Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys has congratulated Catherine Connolly who is set to become the next president of Ireland.

Counting is continuing but tallies around the country indicate a landslide victory for Connolly in the race to be the next president.

Voters in the Republic of Ireland are electing the 10th Irish president, who will replace current head of state Michael D Higgins.

"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.

Catherine Connolly (left) and Heather Humphreys are the two candidates in the election

There are two contenders to become the next president, but voters had a choice of three candidates - Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin, whose withdrawal from the race came too late to have his name removed from the ballot paper.

Connolly, 68, is an independent who is backed by the major left-wing parties – Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and the Greens.

Speaking from the count centre in her home county of Galway, Connolly said she was "absolutely delighted" with the early tallies.

From early on Saturday, Connolly was ahead in count centres nationwide.

There has been an unprecedented level of spoiled votes, with anti-government messages on them.

At the Cavan-Monaghan count centre, Humphreys acknowledged the strong support she has received in her home constituency.

She also spoke about the downsides of the election campaign, including the "awful sectarian abuse" her family had received.

Humphreys was raised as a Presbyterian and her father was a member of the Orange Order - a Protestant organisation which opposes a united Ireland.

"As a country I thought we'd moved on," Humphreys said. "If we're ever to have a united Ireland we have to respect all traditions."

Humphreys said her intention was now to spend time with her family, including her seven-week-old grandson.

"I have absolutely not one regret," she added.

'Soul searching'

The president of Ireland is the country's head of state. While the president's powers are limited, the office-holder's influence can be profound.

Ballot boxes opened at 09.00 local time on Saturday and the official result is due to be announced at Dublin Castle later.

Voting slips are being counted at more than 30 count centres, representing 43 electoral constituencies.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin congratulated Connolly on "what will be a very comprehensive election victory".

He said he had "no doubt" she would "serve the country well".

Martin, who is the leader of Fianna Fáil, also paid tribute to Humphreys and Gavin, who was his party's candidate.

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris said Connolly would be president for "all this country and for all of us".

The Fine Gael leader also said he had "no regrets" about selecting Humphreys as the party's candidate.

"It looks like she'll get close to 30%," he said. "That's way more than Fine Gael is polling and way more than Fine Gael got in a general election."

Early unofficial indications have suggested the turnout could potentially struggle to reach the record low of just under 40% recorded in the last presidential election in 2018.

"Many, many people sat at home and we've got to do some soul searching," the tánaiste added.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: "Today is a stunning victory for optimism and hope over cynicism and negativity.

"It is a victory for the combined opposition over the jaded worn-out politics of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill hailed Connolly as a president who would be a "passionate voice for every community across Ireland".

"This election has shown what can be achieved when parties committed to change and progress work together in common purpose," the Sinn Féin deputy leader added.

A large number of spoiled votes have been spotted at count centres

Irish Labour party leader Ivana Bacik said parties uniting to back Connolly was an example of how they can work together in a left-wing government.

"This shows that an alternative vision is possible, that ambition I expressed in the lead up to last year's general election for a centre-led left government, that is now possible," she told BBC News NI.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns sent congratulations to Connolly on her "resounding election victory", which she described as "a seismic moment in our history".

"From day one, her message of inclusion, equality and social justice resonated with voters in every corner of Ireland," she said.

Sinn Féin TD (MP) Eoin Ó Broin said the election was a "remarkable" victory for Connolly and her campaign but said those who spoiled their vote should not be dismissed.

"People who weren't happy with the government on a whole range of issues, who wanted a different type of politics, a different type of president than being offered by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, they have come out in huge numbers."

Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna said she looked forward to "meeting President Connolly in the weeks ahead and working with her throughout her term to build a better future for everyone on this island".

Votes are being counted at more than 30 count centres, representing 43 constituencies

Connolly has been a TD since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister. She is from Galway.

Humphreys was a TD from 2011 to 2024 and served in a number of senior cabinet ministerial positions, including social protection and justice.

Some 3.6m people were eligible to vote in the election.