Count complete as Higgins set to be confirmed as President
With the fourth count now complete in all constituencies, Michael D Higgins is about to be declared the ninth President of Ireland at around 4.15pm today.
The Labour candidate has secured more than a million votes to succeed Mary McAleese at the Áras.
It was just after 2.30pm this afternoon when Michael D Higgins surpassed the quota of 885,000 votes.
A formal declaration that he is the President-elect is expected soon.
As the 42nd constituency reported, he exceeded one million votes.
Mr Higgins will make a victory speech here shortly and hold a short press conference.
He will also receive a scroll from the Defence Forces, verified by the Chief Justice, confirming that he is the President-elect.
