Catherine Connolly was far from a household name at the start of the election campaign. Photo: EPA PHOTO

Catherine Connolly, a veteran lawmaker on the far-left of the Irish political spectrum, is set to be elected president by a landslide margin as members of the governing parties conceded they were in for a heavy defeat.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other regional websites in your area Continue

Connolly, 68, an independent candidate backed by the entire left-dominated opposition, was likely to win more than double the votes of her nearest rival, an official from one of the governing parties said, citing an incomplete tallying of votes.

Fine Gael General

See Full Page