Still MediaCatherine Connolly was elected the President of Ireland after a landslide victory.
He became the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland after defeating the good Humphreys of Gael, who had been forgotten by his rival.
The result, long clear from the early heights, was officially declared in Dublin Castle.
Connolly – an independent backed by the mainstream left wing – promised to be “an inclusive president for everyone” in his acceptance speech.
The 68-year-old, from Galway, has been a TD (member of the Irish Parliament) since 2016 and previously worked as a psychologist and barrister.
He will be the country’s 10th President, taking over from Michael D Higgins who served a maximum of two terms in office
Connolly secured 914,143 first preference votes (63%), the largest total in Irish electoral history.
He made his acceptance speech first in Irish and then in English.
“I will be a president who listens and reflects and speaks when necessary,” he said.
“I will be a voice for peace, a voice that establishes our policy of neutrality, a voice that speaks of the existential threat of climate change and the breadth of the country.”
Humphreys, speaking after Connolly, thanked everyone who voted for him, his campaign team and good faith for the nomination.
“I know Catherine will be President for all of us. Catherine will be my president and I want her well, this is her night,” he said.
The President of Ireland is the country’s head of state. They represent the country abroad, take center stage in major national events, and are responsible for ensuring that the Constitution – the set of rules for government and politics, is followed.
While the President’s powers are limited, the influence of the office holder can be profound.