Catherine Connolly, a 68-year-old independent candidate backed by left-wing opposition parties, has won Ireland's presidential election in a landslide victory.
Early vote tallies showed her leading with more than 60% of the votes, prompting concessions from governing party figures.
The final declaration is expected later on Saturday.
Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate and former cabinet minister, conceded defeat after tallies indicated an insurmountable gap.
She congratulated Connolly, stating the winner would be a president for all.
Fine Gael General Secretary John Carroll projected Connolly to receive over 60% of the votes, with Humphreys in the high 20s.
Fianna Fáil's Higher Education Minister James Lawless acknowledged the likely election of Connolly and committed to working with her.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin expressed no doubt that Connolly would serve the country well.
Connolly, delighted with the tallies, thanked all voters, including those who did not support her.
The campaign saw withdrawals by initial candidates from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.
Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin stepped down in early October due to a financial scandal, though his name remained on the ballot and garnered 7% according to tallies.
Fine Gael's original choice withdrew citing illness, leading to Humphreys' hasty selection.
Connolly, a former clinical psychologist, barrister, and deputy speaker elected in 2016, built momentum criticizing government policies on housing and appealing to younger voters via social media.
Spoiled ballots reached a historic high of around 13%, reflecting frustrations over limited choices and issues including immigration.
Turnout was approximately 40% among 3.6 million eligible voters.
Connolly will succeed Michael D. Higgins as Ireland's 10th president for a seven-year term in the largely figurehead role.