Michael D Higgins will be officially given another seven years as President of Ireland this evening.
Counting is continuing in constituencies across the country.
The other candidates in this election have been conceding one by one that Michael D Higgins is going to win this election.
It is clear President Michael D Higgins @MichaelDHiggins will be re-elected for a second term and I congratulate him and wish him success in the years ahead. #Aras18 #Aras2018 (2 of 2)
— Seán Gallagher (@seangallagher1) October 27, 2018
It could be the largest ever vote for a President, with Mr Higgins likely to clean up between 60 and 70% of the vote in Dublin.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has congratulated Michael D Higgins on securing a second term..
Congratulations @MichaelDHiggins. Really happy that you will continue to be our President for the next 7 years
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 27, 2018
Peter Casey looks like a clear second with the other candidates likely to finish in single digits.
The final tally in Dublin South-Central showed more spoiled votes than votes for businessman Gavin Duffy, who'll likely place last.
The big story has been Mr Casey's comments on Travellers and people on social welfare and how they've propelled him from 2% in some opinion polls to 21% in the exit polls.
In Waterford, Michael D Higgins came on top but Peter Casey pulled almost 25% of the vote.
Seán Gallagher polled relatively well in his home county, Cavan/Monaghan, giving him 17% - but still comfortably third.
While turnout is expected to be much lower than the last Presidential election in 2011, the extra number of people on the register could mean a similar amount of votes overall will be counted - so we likely won't see a declaration until early evening.
