Connolly extends commanding lead over Humphreys in final presidential election poll

Catherine Connolly holds a strong 15-point lead over Heather Humphreys as voters prepare to head to the polls

Presidential poll: Independent candidate Catherine Connolly (left) and Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Catherine Connolly is on course to become the next President of Ireland, as a new poll shows her 15 points ahead of Fine Gael rival Heather Humphreys.

The latest Irish Independent/Ireland Thinks poll shows the Independent candidate at 40%, compared to Ms Humphreys on 25%.

Ms Connolly is up eight points from the previous Ireland Thinks poll, where she was on 32%.

Ms Humphreys, however, is up only two points, having previously been on 23%.

The biggest drop is for Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin, who withdrew from the race earlier this month. His support fell eight points, from 15% to 7%.

The poll also shows that 28% of respondents either don’t know, won’t vote, or plan to spoil their ballot on Friday.

When undecided voters are excluded, Ms Connolly’s lead widens further, with 55% saying they will back the Independent candidate, while Ms Humphreys rises to 35%.

The poll, published on Thursday afternoon, also provides insight into Tuesday’s Prime Time debate. It found that 67% of those who watched the debate believed Ms Connolly won, compared to 18% who thought Ms Humphreys performed better.

A further 15% of viewers said they did not know who won.