Irish Examiner view: A vote for democracy over chaos

Anyone expressing reticence about voting today should bear in mind that the alternative to the democratic process was visible this week in Dublin

Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys in Dublin. 'We can have those willing to go before the people and to present themselves on their records, or we can accept violence on the streets. Only one of those choices can be called democracy, however, and only one is acceptable.' Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The counting of votes in the presidential election begins in the morning and some readers are no doubt looking forward to the last chapter of the campaign almost as much as the candidates.

The campaign has not lacked incident. From Jim Gavin’s dramatic departure from the campaign following revelations about a former tenant, to recent deepfake clips circulating online incorrectly saying Catherine Connolly had also dropped out of the race, there has been no shortage of talking points.