Ireland votes in presidential election with Connolly holding strong lead

Irish voters headed to polling stations across the nation on Friday to select their next president in an election that could deliver a decisive victory for independent candidate Catherine Connolly. More than 3.6 million registered voters are eligible to participate at over 5,500 polling locations nationwide, with ballots opening at 7:00 AM local time and remaining accessible until 10:00 PM.

Candidate Field and Voting System

Three candidates officially appear on the presidential ballot: Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, and independent Catherine Connolly. However, Gavin withdrew from the race after the nomination deadline passed, meaning votes cast for him will be redistributed according to Ireland's proportional representation system. Voters rank candidates by preference using the single transferable vote method, with elimination rounds continuing until one candidate achieves the required quota.

Polling Indications and Historic Context

Final opinion polls published Thursday showed Connolly commanding 40% support compared to Humphreys' 25%, with the independent candidate's lead expanding to 55% against 35% when undecided voters were excluded. The 68-year-old former teacher aims to succeed Michael D. Higgins, who concludes his constitutionally limited two seven-year terms as Ireland's widely popular president. For tens of thousands of citizens, this election marks their first presidential ballot.

Election Process and Results Timeline

Vote counting will commence Saturday at 9:00 AM local time, with the complex transfer process expected to determine whether Connolly can secure victory in early rounds or if the contest proceeds through multiple elimination stages. The election represents Ireland's first open presidential contest in fourteen years, following Higgins' unopposed reelection in 2018.