Catherine Connolly

He is due to complete his second term in office on November 10th, when Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated as his successor.

Sinn Féin's Cathy Bennett says the backing by her party for Catherine Connolly was the real game changer. 

She was confirmed as president-elect last night, after securing more than 900 thousand votes.

At the Cavan-Monaghan count centre this afternoon, the former Fine Gael Minister congratulated Catherine Connolly on "becoming the next President of Ireland".

Former Cavan/Monaghan TD, Heather Humphreys is trailing well behind the Galway TD according to the tally.

Live updates from the count centres

"We and our predecessors, and our ancestors, and our forebearers fought very hard to give us the right to vote."

It’s an issue that has been coming up over the past few weeks.

"There has been some pressure put on Heather Humphreys, particularly about some of the issues in her own constituency."

Catherine Connolly will launch her 'Future Voices Initiative' in Monaghan later this morning.

"All I can do is join in her call that anyone who has information should come forward."