Incumbent Michael D Higgins has been officially confirmed as the winner of the Irish Presidential Election with 822,566 votes (55.8%), exceeding the quota. Independent Peter Casey secured second place with 23.1% of the vote.

National Returning officer Barry Ryan made the announcement at Dublin Castle. The turnout was recorded at 46.2%.

 Speaking after confirmation of his election, President Higgins thanked the people. He called Ireland a "beautiful republic that is just coming into being". He said accepted the mandate "with humility but also with determination and excitement".

He called for a "real republic" and a "republic of equality". The next seven years offer opportunities to do things in new ways, he said. It will be about "identifying and facing exclusions", rather than just breaking down barriers. This would involve the "exercising of new invitations".

"A real republic is a republic is one where every person is encouraged and supported to participate fully," he said. "All sections of society must be treated with dignity and respect."

"Over the next seven years, I will represent your voice, Ireland's voice, as we face challenges that are not local."

He mentioned climate change, Brexit, and violence against women and said it was "a time to be active" rather than passive.

 "The presidency belongs not to any one person but to the people of Ireland," he added. "I am so proud of our country. So proud to be a

 president for all of you and with all of you."

 Sinn Fein candidate Liadh Ni Riada thanked the party for putting her forward.

 "It was important we had this election," she said, and that the next seven years are important for Ireland. She looked forward to a united Ireland being firmly on the agenda, "particularly with Brexit coming down the tracks".