In Ireland, Independent left-wing politician Ms Catherine Connolly has been elected its 10th president after a landslide victory. She defeated her rival Heather Humphreys.
A seasoned politician and political performer, Connolly has been Member of Parliament since 2016 for the Galway West constituency and also served as Deputy Speaker of the Irish Parliament.
Official results showed strong voter support for Connolly as president, a largely ceremonial role in Ireland.
The 68-year-old, from Galway, has been a TD (member of the Irish parliament) since 2016.
She will be the country’s 10th president, taking over from Michael D Higgins who has served the maximum two terms in office
Connolly secured 914,143 first preference votes (63%) – a record in Irish presidential election history.
She made her acceptance speech first in Irish and then in English.
“I will be a president who listens and reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary,” she said.
“I will be a voice for peace, a voice that builds on our policy of neutrality, a voice that articulates the existential threat posed by climate change, and a voice that recognises the tremendous work being done the length and breadth of the country.”
Dublin correspondent Gabija Gataveckaite said Connolly was the anti-establishment candidate who took on Humphreys, the government’s pick.
She said in recent weeks, Connolly had been insisting her campaign was a “movement” and she has now won a clear mandate from the people.