Distribution of Norris votes complete in most constituencies

More than half of the country's 43 constituencies have now distributed David Norris' votes in the third count of the Presidential election.

The third count is expected to conclude in the next two hours or so to distribute Senator Norris' 116,000 votes, but is not likely to conclude the process to confirm Michael D Higgins as President.

The elimination of Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell and a fourth count are likely to be necessary to confirm the result.

Michael D Higgins will then officially be President-Elect, ahead of his inauguration on November 11.

Counting of the two constitutional referendums takes place later today. The referendum on cutting judges' pay is expected to pass with a majority.

However, the 30th Amendment to the Constitution that would give Oireachtas committees powers of investigation will be a much tighter count, with an as-yet unpredictable result.