Connolly holds commanding lead in presidential opinion polls

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly has a significant lead in the presidential election, according to a poll published on the eve of voting day.

The Irish Independent/Ireland Thinks poll puts support for Ms Connolly on 40 per cent, ahead of Fine Gael hopeful Heather Humphreys at 25 per cent.

The public will head to polling stations on Friday to cast votes in the election.

The count will begin on Saturday morning with a declaration expected at Dublin Castle later that day.

Speaking about strong opinion poll performance on Thursday, Ms Connolly said: “It’s wonderful for my team, but we take absolutely nothing for granted.”

She told reporters at a school in Roscommon on the final full day of campaigning: “I would appeal to everyone to come out and vote. To be president of Ireland is an absolute privilege, and I leave that to the people of Ireland.”

Ms Humphreys took her campaigning to Sligo and Donegal on Thursday.

In Sligo, Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris gave a “particular appeal to people from other political traditions” to lend their vote to Ms Humphreys.

He said: “She won’t let you down.”

Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, despite declaring weeks ago that he has withdrawn from the race, will remain on the ballot paper and placed at seven per cent in the latest opinion poll.

The combined number of people who said they were undecided, would not vote, or would spoil their vote, was 28 per cent.

When they are removed, Ms Connolly holds 55 per cent of the vote, with Ms Humphreys on 35 per cent.

Ireland uses a system of transferable votes in elections but if the margin between Ms Humphreys and Ms Connolly cannot be closed with Mr Gavin’s votes, a winner will be known after the first count.