Overview
- Counting began at 9am in 32 centres for 43 constituencies under the single transferable vote system, with a quota of 50% plus one for election.
- Early tallies in Dublin, Cork and Galway show Connolly well ahead, with some boxes putting her above 70% of first preferences.
- Ministers from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael said she looks set to win, with the Presidential Returning Officer to announce the national first count later today at Dublin Castle.
- A striking number of spoiled ballots has been reported across count centres, many bearing protest messages about the candidate field or nomination rules.
- Turnout is tracking below the 43.9% recorded in 2018, according to early indications from count centres.