Fine Gael likely left licking their woundspublished at 11:43 BST
11:43 BST
Gabija Gataveckaite
BBC News NI Dublin correspondent
Catherine Connolly’s expected victory shows while voters may trust ruling parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to run the country, they want an alternative for their head of state.
Fine Gael will be left licking their wounds after what looks like a disappointing result.
Even in Fine Gael constituency heartlands, the Connolly vote was resounding.
Today’s result in the Irish presidential election shows a trend among voters in recent elections and referendums.
Ruling government parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael won majorities in last year’s general, local and European elections.
But the two parties were roundly rejected by the electorate in last year’s family and care referendum campaigns and again today in the Irish presidential election.
This suggests while voters vote with their pockets in general or local elections, when it comes to presidential elections and referendums, they vote with their values and what feel best represents them.
The biggest loser from today’s election is undoubtedly Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) and Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin.
Tallies showed Jim Gavin, who withdrew earlier this month, is polling poorly. A result of at least 12.5% would be of some comfort for Fianna Fail, who would then be in line to get some expenses from the failed campaign back.