The outgoing President of the Republic, Michael D. Higgins, who was standing as an independent candidate, was re-elected as the Irish head of State with 55.81% of the vote on 26th October. He easily pulled ahead of all of his rivals, but to a lesser degree than forecast in the polls. The victory that had been predicted for the outgoing head of State undoubtedly dissuaded many of his fellow countrymen from turning out to ballot. Fewer than one Irishman in two fulfilled his civic duty: turnout totalled 43.87% (-12.24 points less than in the previous election on 27th October 2011), i.e. the lowest turnout ever recorded for a presidential election.
