Michael D Higgins has been re-elected as President of Ireland, having taken 56% of the total poll with 822,566 votes.

Independent candidate Peter Casey took 23%, followed by Sean Gallagher in third place with 94,514 votes.

Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada came in fourth with 6.5% followed by Senator Joan Freeman with 6% and Gavin Duffy with 2%.

According to the Irish Times, Mr Higgins has said of the next seven year term:

“A real Republic is a republic is one where every person is encourages and supported to participate fully.

“All sections of society must be treated with dignity and respect.”

He calls Ireland a “beautiful republic that is just coming into being”.

“Our journey is underway and includes all age categories."

He added:

“The presidency belongs not to any one person but to the people of Ireland,” he says.

“I am so proud of our country. So proud to be a president for all of you and with all of you.”