Main pointsKey readsMary Lou McDonald votes![\"Sinn](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/IWR27KWRZIXNBFEY6TZZQJ3QCM.jpg\")
Sinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald poses with James Downey as she arrives at the Deaf Village in Cabra, north Dublin, to cast her vote. Photograph: Liam McBurney\/PA Wire ![\"Ms](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EPCHSJQNYGKKPISSAV3AUZEAUY.jpg\")
Ms McDonald had her passport on hand (voters can bring ID instead of their polling card, if needed). Photograph: Liam McBurney\/PA Wire <\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald cast her vote in Cabra, North Dublin, earlier today.<\/p>\n
Connolly votes in Galway![\"Independent](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/G7ROPLCSXFM5Y2MR7GQWRJ32LI.jpg\")
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly at Claddagh National School in Galway city after casting her vote today. Photograph: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire ![\"Catherine](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/EGPZZN46HO6TURARBJAPHAWJEA.jpg\")
Catherine Connolly’s son Stephen also voted at Claddagh National School in Galway city. Photograph: Brian Lawless\/PA Wire <\/p>\n
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly cast her vote in Claddagh NS in Galway city, alongside her son Stephen.<\/p>\n
T\u00e1naiste casts his vote![\"Tánaiste](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/J632UAJW2WRXRILPXUQHFMLTFM.JPG\")
T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris with his son Cillian as the Fine Gael leader cast his vote in the presidential election at Delgany National School in Co Wicklow this morning. Photograph: Stephen Collins\/Collins Photos <\/p>\n
T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris cast his vote with his son Cillian in Delgany National School, Co Wicklow.<\/p>\n
Turnout in Galway<\/p>\n
As of noon, turnout in Galway ranged from 7 per cent in Doughiska (Galway West) to 14 per cent in both Aran Islands Cill Ronan (Galway West) and Salthill (St Enda\u2019s West, Galway West).<\/p>\n
The highest turnout in Galway East so far today has been in Kinvara (13 per cent).<\/p>\n
Message from the Editor<\/p>\n
![\"Irish](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/O3M6OOU4VRHOHNMW75FBAFW5NY.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Thanks for reading. If you\u2019re interested in Irish politics, becoming an Irish Times subscriber can give you access to all of our coverage, including exclusive news stories, in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary. Receive our politics newsletter in your inbox every morning, early tickets to Inside Politics podcast live events and full access to the best writing about the people and policies that shape modern Ireland.<\/p>\n
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Ruadh\u00e1n Mac Cormaic<\/p>\n
Editor <\/p>\n
[\u00a0To join Ireland’s biggest community of news subscribers, sign up hereOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n Turnout in Mayo<\/p>\n As of midday, turnout in Mayo ranged from 4 per cent in Drumgallagh National School to 12 per cent in Mulranny.<\/p>\n Turnout was at 10 per cent in each of St Anthony\u2019s in Castlebar, St Joseph\u2019s NS in Ballinrobe and Kilkelly NS.<\/p>\n President Higgins casts his votePresident Higgins, accompanied by his wife Sabina, has cast his vote in the presidential election at St Mary\u2019s Hospital in Dublin. Video: Ronan McGreevy <\/p>\n President Michael D Higgins has cast his vote in the election, alongside his wife Sabina Higgins, at St Mary\u2019s Hospital in Dublin.<\/p>\n Voter turnout in Meath and Westmeath<\/p>\n As of 11.45am, voter turnout in Meath was as follows:<\/p>\n The average turnout across Westmeath is around 3 per cent.<\/p>\n Voter turnout in Galway<\/p>\n Voter turnout across Galway ranged from 3-6 per cent, as of 9.30am. <\/p>\n Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is, of course, a TD for Galway West, where she will no doubt hope turnout picks up.<\/p>\n Voter turnout in Waterford<\/p>\n As of 10.30am, the turnout was 7 per cent in Waterford city; 8 per cent in Tramore; and 5-6 per cent in the Dungarvan area.<\/p>\n Voter turnout in Kerry<\/p>\n Here is the voter turnout in Kerry, as of 10.30am:<\/p>\n Voter turnout in Wexford<\/p>\n Amid concerns about a possible historic low turnout, early indications based on previous voter behaviour in Wexford are negative, Marie O\u2019Halloran <\/b>reports.<\/p>\n Turnout was under 8 per cent in Gorey polling stations at 10.30am. It was \u201cquite a bit down on usual election or referenda polls at this time\u201d, according to observers.<\/p>\n Where will Jim Gavin\u2019s transfers go? <\/b> Jim Gavin\u2019s votes and transfers will be counted as usual. The Fianna F\u00e1il candidate ended his campaign earlier this month but remains on the ballot paper.<\/p>\n Art O\u2019Leary, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, explains what will happen when the votes are counted tomorrow<\/a>: <\/p>\n \u201cIn a three-candidate race, there are only two possible outcomes on the first count: either one candidate reaches the quota (50 per cent of votes cast plus one) and is elected, or the lowest-polling candidate is eliminated and their second preferences are distributed. <\/p>\n \u201cAfter that, whichever of the remaining two has the higher total is deemed elected, whether or not they reach the quota. So as long as you use your second (or third) preference, your vote stays active until the count concludes.\u201d<\/p>\n Getting into the Halloween spirit Two Dublin brothers, Theo and Toby Egan, dressed as the presidential candidates Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys on their school\u2019s pre-Halloween fancy dress day. They sourced their outfits from charity shops. <\/p>\n Irish overseas on the presidential election<\/p>\n As voters across the State head to the polls on Friday to choose their next president, there is a large constituency who won\u2019t be able to vote, Irish citizens living abroad, Genevieve Carbery<\/b> writes.<\/p>\n A referendum, which would have extended the right in time for this presidential election to Irish citizens living outside the Republic, was in early planning for October 2019. However, it was shelved due to Brexit and the pandemic.<\/p>\n We asked readers outside the State for their views on being excluded<\/a>. Many felt deprived of a say in their \u201chome\u201d and noted how \u201cout of step\u201d the State was with norms across the world.<\/p>\n A cold and damp morning It is a cold and damp morning in many areas as voters head out to polling stations for the presidential election.<\/p>\n Showers are forecast across many parts of the country but sunny spells will break through<\/a>, Met \u00c9ireann says.<\/p>\n Who will be Ireland\u2019s \u2018first gentleman\u2019? Ellen Coyne<\/b> and Andrew Hamilton<\/b> take a look at the men behind the women running for the \u00c1ras.<\/p>\n Both Eric Humphreys and Brian McEnery are media-shy but strongly supportive of their wives\u2019 careers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Humphreys votes in MonaghanHeather Humphreys, accompanied by her daughter Eva and granddaughter Charlotte, has cast her vote in the presidential election. Video: Chris Maddaloni <\/p>\n Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys has cast her vote in Monaghan, alongside her daughter Eva and granddaughter Charlotte. <\/p>\n Three names on the ballot There are three names on the ballot paper today: Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin and Heather Humphreys.<\/p>\n People can still vote for Mr Gavin – who withdrew from the race earlier this month after it emerged he owed a previous tenant \u20ac3,300<\/a> – and his transfers will be distributed to the other candidates.<\/p>\n The Irish Times view on voting: cherish this simple civic duty<\/p>\n \u201cIreland consistently ranks among the world\u2019s most democratic nations. <\/p>\n \u201cThat makes it all the more important that those who live here exercise their franchise in Friday\u2019s presidential election.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is true even for those who are underwhelmed by the choice before them. Polls suggest a large number of voters are dissatisfied with the limited field of candidates. <\/p>\n \u201cYet opting out of the process, or deliberately spoiling a ballot, is not the best way to express that discontent…<\/p>\n \u201cThose who can vote on Friday should make the effort. It is a simple civic duty, called upon only occasionally. <\/p>\n \u201cFor many, this will be the last opportunity to participate in a national election for several years. In a world where democracy is faltering, the act of voting is not only a right but something to be cherished.\u201d<\/p>\n Read the full Irish Times view on voting here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Presidential election explainedHow does the presidential election work? Kate Byrne explains how. Video: Dan Dennison <\/p>\n Have any burning questions ahead of voting today? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n Here is everything you need to know<\/a> about the candidates, how to vote, and the powers of the president.<\/p>\n Campaign to spoil votes<\/p>\n Asked about the campaign to spoil votes<\/a>, Mr O\u2019Leary said a person \u201ccan choose to spoil their vote \u2026 All we say in response is that one of these candidates will be elected president, and if you want your voice to be heard, then you should vote for a candidate.\u201d<\/p>\n He is also concerned about people unintentionally spoiling their vote. Voters sometimes list their preferences and then add something like \u201cUp the Dubs\u201d or \u201cMayo for Sam\u201d, which a returning officer could consider a spoiled vote, he said.<\/p>\n There is growing concern about turnout because of the reduced number of candidates and controversy over Fianna F\u00e1il nominee Jim Gavin\u2019s withdrawal<\/a> over money owed to a former tenant.<\/p>\n Concerns over low turnout An Coimisi\u00fan Toghch\u00e1in is hoping turnout in the presidential election will match the 44 per cent seen in 2018 when President Michael D Higgins was re-elected, Marie O\u2019Halloran<\/b> reports.<\/p>\n Art O\u2019Leary, the chief executive of the electoral commission since it was established in 2023, said the body does not have a target<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI would hope, rather than saying it\u2019s a target, that it would be no less than the presidential election turnout the last time,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Mr O\u2019Leary appealed to voters to exercise their franchise.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir vote is their voice and if they don\u2019t vote, then they allow somebody else to speak for them,\u201d he said. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t ever allow that to happen in any other part of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms Humphreys struck a defiant note<\/a> while canvassing in Sligo and Donegal on Thursday.<\/p>\n Speaking to supporters, she said: \u201cIt is so important we get that vote out tomorrow. Because I don\u2019t believe one bit in those polls, don\u2019t mind those polls. Tomorrow is the poll.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking at an event in Donegal, Fine Gael leader and T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris said: \u201cThe polls said Michael D Higgins was never going to be president \u2013 he won the election, he won twice and he did a very good job.”<\/p>\n The final day of campaigning saw another opinion poll, this time from the Irish Independent\/Ireland Thinks, which suggested Ms Connolly continues to hold a commanding lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n Excluding undecided voters, the poll predicted a first-count win for Ms Connolly, with 56 per cent of the vote.<\/p>\n Speaking about the strong opinion poll performance on Thursday, Ms Connolly said: \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful for my team but we take absolutely nothing for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n She told reporters at St Anne\u2019s National School in Co Roscommon: \u201cI would appeal to everyone to come out and vote. To be president of Ireland is an absolute privilege and I leave that to the people of Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n After a fractious and unpredictable presidential election campaign, Independent candidate Catherine Connolly is now the overwhelming favourite to become the country\u2019s 10th president.<\/p>\n There are widespread fears of a historically low turnout, even lower than the 44 per cent at the last election.<\/p>\n\n
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![\"Posters](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1761308053_531_2AZ57MMOBVBTVFPCFURC7GY72E.jpg\")
Posters for Jim Gavin are still hanging outside Leinster House. Photograph: Cillian Sherlock\/PA <\/p>\n![\"Dublin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/TEUCYOV64FADXHSEAUBUPJBJIQ.jpg\")
Dublin brothers, Theo and Toby Egan, dressed as the presidential candidates on their school’s pre-Halloween fancy dress day. Photograph: Egan family <\/p>\n![\"Autumn](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4EPXZLSQMNCAFESAFWWFLVHOUQ.JPG\")
Autumn leaves in Killeevan, Co Monaghan, this morning. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni\/The Irish Times <\/p>\n![\"Catherine](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3M64WDNLNRCIPFXAUJZ4K3G5SY.JPG\")
Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery in June 2004, when she was elected mayor of Galway. Photograph: Joe O’Shaughnessy <\/p>\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5U6SSTYW7VGU7HX4WFK5U2SX7A.jpeg\")
Three candidates, including Jim Gavin who ceased his campaign, are on the ballot paper today. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien\/The Irish Times <\/p>\n![\"Around](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Y32EDE5JNH2O4L6MOWRYMOAQ64.jpg\")
Around 3.6 million people are eligible to vote in more than 5,500 polling stations across the country. Photograph: PA Wire <\/p>\n![\"Fine](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2Y3KHKHVBS2U3E2BPGFLXRUUUM.jpg\")
Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys with T\u00e1naiste Simon Harris at Dorrians Imperial Hotel in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, on Thursday. Photograph: Mark Marlow\/PA Wire \u2018Don\u2019t mind those poll\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Presidential](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/RYM2CGIEXC5O3WWHFNT3EVHXBQ.jpg\")
Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly during a visit to St Anne’s National School in Castlerea, Co Roscommon on Thursday. Photograph: Bairbre Holmes\/PA Wire
\n Final day of campaigning<\/p>\n![\"Fine](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1761308055_520_SAUOWETVQBFC5MRTOU3UIEY2EM.jpg\")
Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly, who is the overwhelming favourite to become the country\u2019s next president. Photographs: Niall Carson\/PA & Alan Betson\/The Irish Times Connolly the favourite in the polls<\/p>\n