The leader of Fine Gael is expected to be declared before 6pm this evening after a 16-day campaign.

There’s a great untapped appetite for real action to protect human rights and equality, writes Mark Kelly.

Here is an edited version of President-elect Michael D Higgins’ victory speech from the National Count Centre in Dublin Castle after securing 1,007,104 votes.

Michael D Higgins was tonight celebrating his imminent election as the ninth President of Ireland after the first official nationwide count gave him 40% of first preferences, well ahead of Seán Gallagher on 28.5%.