Polling stations across the Republic of Ireland was open on Friday as more than 3.6 million voters began casting ballots in the presidential election.
The vote will determine who serves as Ireland’s head of state, a largely ceremonial role but with some key constitutional powers, for the next seven years.
Who is in the running to be Irish president?
The race has come down to a contest between independent candidate Catherine Connolly, backed by a bloc of left-wing opposition parties, and Heather Humphreys, representing Fine Gael, the center-right governing party that has dominated Irish politics for much of the past decade.
Both women are seeking to replace Michael D. Higgins, who has completed two full terms since first being elected in 2011.
Sixty-eight-year-old Connolly, a Galway-based mother of two, has built her campaign around messages of “peace,” “unity,” and “neutrality.” A fluent Irish speaker and former barrister and psychologist, she has been endorsed by Sinn Fein, Labour, the Social Democrats and other left-leaning groups. She has also been outspoken about Ireland’s military neutrality and critical of US military use of Shannon Airport.
Humphreys, 64, has presented herself as a “centre-ground, pro-European, pro-business” candidate. A Presbyterian from a farming family near the Northern Ireland border, she emphasized her experience both as a government minister and in community finance. She said her background gives her a unique insight into the traditions of both north and south.
Why has the race narrowed?
A third name remains on the ballot, Jim Gavin representing Ireland’s other right-leaning centrist party, though he dropped out weeks ago after a controversy over a rent controversy.
The Irish Independent reported that a former tenant accused him of failing to return a rent overpayment of more than €3,000 ($3,500) caused by a banking error.
In a statement, Gavin said recent days had given him “cause to reflect,” but he did not directly address the allegation.
Michael D. Higgins in his role representing Ireland abroad, speaking at the UN General AssemblyImage: Frank Franklin II/AP Photo/picture alliance
Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor announced in September that he was withdrawing his bid for the presidency.
McGregor, a prominent voice in the country’s anti-immigration movement, visited the White House in March as a guest of US President Donald Trump for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
He was convicted last November in a civil rape case and is also being sued in the US federal civil court by a woman who accuses him of sexually assaulting her in Miami.
Other high-profile figures who had shown interest in the post, including musician Bob Geldof and “Riverdance” performer Michael Flatley, have also exited the race.
It is the first time since 1973 that Irish voters have faced a near two-way presidential contest.
Vote counting will begin on Saturday morning, with results expected later in the day at Dublin Castle. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, the office carries important constitutional duties, including referring legislation to the Supreme Court and representing Ireland abroad.
Whoever wins will take office for a seven-year term, renewable only once.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
