Higgins tops first count, Dana and Davis eliminated

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%.

A number of further counts will be required to bring Mr Higgins past the 50% +1 barrier necessary to be officially elected, but at this stage he can’t be caught.