Counting in the poll to elect the State’s ninth president is under way with first-count figures expected late this evening and early tallies showing Michael D Higgins performing well.

Early tallies put Mr Higgins in the lead with close to 40 per cent with Seán Gallagher second on about 20 per cent and Martin McGuinness third. Gay Mitchell is reported to be polling badly - even in his own constituency.

Campaigner, poet, politician - Michael D Higgins is well known internationally.