Long-time critic of the European Union Catherine Connolly is set to become Ireland's next president. Photo: AP PHOTO

Catherine Connolly, a veteran lawmaker on the far left of the Irish political spectrum, is set to be elected the country's next president as members of the governing parties concede defeat.

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Early tallies of votes after counting began at 0800 GMT on Saturday showed a wide lead for Connolly, 68, an independent candidate.

She is a long-time critic of the European Union in overwhelmingly pro-EU Ireland and was far from a household name at the outset.

Counting in the Iri

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