Michael D Higgins to become Ireland's next president

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/28/michael-d-higgins-ireland-president


Michael D Higgins, of the Irish Labour party, is set to be confirmed as Ireland's ninth president. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA

The poet, peace campaigner and president of Galway United football club Michael D Higgins is poised to become Ireland's next president after rivals conceded defeat in the most fractious campaign in the country's history.

The Irish Labour party candidate was on course to win at least 40% of the first preference vote. Of the first eight constituencies to declare, Higgins was leading in seven of them.

The 70-year-old enjoyed a late surge of support, putting him well ahead of the former frontrunner Seán Gallagher. Martin McGuinness, whose candidacy turned the spotlight on his past as the IRA's chief of staff and his role in many prominent atrocities during the Troubles, was almost certain to come third.

Leaders of other parties and rival candidates conceded on Friday afternoon that Higgins was on course to win the presidential contest. Micheál Martin, the leader of the main opposition party, Fianna Fáil, congratulated Higgins on his performance "which will see him elected the ninth president of Ireland". Martin added: "I have known Michael D Higgins for many years and he will make an excellent president and ambassador for Ireland."

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