Ireland's president Michael D Higgins has secured a second term in office with a resounding victory in the country's presidential election.

The 77-year-old won the contest with 56% of the vote, 33% more than his closest rival.

Speaking after the declaration at Dublin Castle, he said: "I will be a president for all the people.

"A real republic is a life lived together... where every person and community is treated with dignity and respect."

The Irish president, while head of state, has limited constitutional powers and is seen as serving in a mostly ceremonial role.


Mr Higgins is the first president to win a second term in office since Eamon De Valera in 1966.

The surprise package of the election was the independent candidate Peter Casey.

Image: Defeated candidate Peter Casey makes a speech after Michael D Higgins was announced as the winner at Dublin Castle

One of three businessmen from Ireland's version of Dragon's Den, he came from last place in the polls to finish runner-up.

His surge in support came after he made several controversial statements in media interviews, including critical comments about the Traveller community in Ireland.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, he denied that anti-Traveller sentiment was responsible for his strong showing, and claimed it was "more of a protest vote against this government".

None of the other four candidates in the presidential race - Senator Joan Freeman, Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada and entrepreneurs Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy - managed to register above 10%.

It was an extremely disappointing result for Sinn Fein, for whom Ms Ni Riada finished with just over 6% of the vote, well below the party's general support of around 15% in the polls.

The party's leader, Mary Lou McDonald, admitted the failed campaign had cost Sinn Fein €200,000 (£178,047), but said she had no regrets, and that the party would never "sit on the sidelines".

Meanwhile, voters have also backed the removal of the offence of blasphemy from the Irish constitution following a referendum.

A total of 951,650 (64.85%) people supported the change, with 515,808 (35.15%) opposing the move.