Ironically, the increased turnout was helped by highly motivated online campaigns from various groups mobilising the electorate to cast their ballot with a spoiled vote, at a record level of almost 13 per cent. Turnout was highest in the constituency of Fine Gael ’s Heather Humphreys, where 55.41 per cent of the electorate cast their ballot.

Follow the latest here on the Irish Independent’s ‘Race to the Áras’ live blog Catherine Connolly: I will represent you to the best of my ability Follow the latest developments in our live blog: ' Hold your head high girl' – A day like no other as Connolly trounces Humphreys to take the Áras  Never mind the talk about this being a boring presidential election.

Irish voters headed to the polls to decide who will succeed President Michael D. Higgins after 14 years in office. The contest has narrowed to two women offering sharply different visions.