Fionnán Sheahan: From Mary Lou to Micheál: the winners – and losers – of campaign that put Catherine Connolly in the Áras

The fortunes of many of Ireland’s politicians and parties were upended by the presidential election

President-elect Catherine Connolly with Taoiseach Micheál Martin (centre) and Tánaiste Simon Harris in Dublin Castle. Photo: PA

In case anyone is thinking about running for the presidency in 2032, here’s a word of advice for free: don’t.

For the fifth general election in a row, reputations have been ruined and contenders have been torn apart over the course of a bruising campaign, and the outcome has once more had wider implications within the political system than could have been foreseen.