The Business Post/Red C poll puts the left-wing TD 19 percentage points ahead of Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys in the race to succeed Michael D Higgins as Irish head of state.

The latest snapshot of voter intentions has Ms Connolly on 44% of first-preference votes and Ms Humphreys on 25%.

Published at the close of the penultimate day of campaigning ahead of Friday’s vote, it is the latest in a series of polls that point to a significant lead for Ms Connolly.

Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, who pulled out of the presidential race several weeks ago but whose name remains on the ballot paper, is on 10% in the poll.

The results were revealed as Ms Connolly and Ms Humphreys continued with their respective drives to convince undecided voters. Voters who have yet to make up their minds still

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