Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is set to become Ireland’s next president after her rival conceded.
Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys said: “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.
“I have absolutely not one regret.”
Ireland’s deputy premier has “sincerely” congratulated Ms Connolly, 68 and who has the backing of Sinn Féin, on “becoming our next president of Ireland”.
Simon Harris, who leads the Fine Gael party that nominated Ms Humphreys, said in a statement that Ms Connolly will be a president “for all this country and for all of us”.
The final result will be officially declared by presidential returning officer Barry Ryan once all 43 constituencies have completed counting.
Ms Connolly previously said she was “absolutely delighted” with the tallies showing she was on the path to replacing Michael D Higgins, a popular poet and former arts minister who has served the maximum two terms in office.
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The role – which has been held by Mr Higgins for the last 14 years – is largely ceremonial, but one with real national significance.
Around 3.4 million people are eligible to vote.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also congratulated Ms Connolly on the apparent win, saying it represented a “seismic moment in our history”.
The Social Democrats were one of a number of parties backing Independent Ms Connolly in the election.
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She said: “The momentum behind Catherine’s presidential bid was incredible, growing from a small campaign run by dedicated volunteers to the grassroots movement it became.
“From day one, her message of inclusion, equality and social justice resonated with voters in every corner of Ireland.
“Catherine had a clear vision for the presidency and was determined to speak out on issues that mattered to people – housing, cost of living, disability services, climate action, the Irish language and neutrality.
“Catherine’s considered, focused and compassionate approach to this campaign was hugely impressive.”
Ms Connolly is a former clinical psychologist and barrister who served as deputy speaker of Ireland’s lower house after
being first elected in 2016.
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