Michael D Higgins commands a huge lead over his rivals and is almost certain to be re-elected President of Ireland for another seven years when voters go to the polls next week. If anything like the figures in today’s poll were repeated on election day, Mr Higgins would be re-elected on the first count, with no distribution of second preferences. The poll puts Mr Higgins on twice as many votes as all his opponents combined. Support for Mr Higgins is highest in Dublin and in Munster, where he enjoys 71 per cent of first preferences, according to the poll. Better-off voters, farmers and voters in urban areas are most likely to support Mr Higgins, but he will win votes in large numbers across all ages, classes and geographical areas.

Source: The Irish Times October 17, 2018 03:56 UTC