Misplaced Pages

2011 Irish presidential election

← 2004 27 October 2011 2018 →
Turnout	56.1%
Nominee Michael D. Higgins Seán Gallagher Martin McGuinness Party Labour Independent Sinn Féin 1st preference 701,101 (39.6%) 504,964 (28.5%) 243,030 (13.7%) Final count 1,007,104 (56.8%) 628,114 (35.5%) Eliminated   Nominee Gay Mitchell David Norris Dana Rosemary Scallon Party Fine Gael Independent Independent 1st preference 113,321 (6.4%) 109,469 (6.2%) 51,220 (2.9%) Final count Eliminated Eliminated Eliminated   Nominee Mary Davis Party Independent 1st preference 48,657 (2.7%) Final count Eliminated
First-preference results by Dáil constituency.
President before election Mary McAleese Independent Elected President Michael D. Higgins Labour

Politics of the Republic of Ireland
Constitution Amendments
PresidencyPresident Michael D. Higgins Council of State Presidential Commission
GovernmentCabinet Taoiseach: Simon Harris Tánaiste: Micheál Martin Departments of State Public Service Civil Service State Agencies Attorney General Rossa Fanning
Oireachtas Dáil Éireann Ceann Comhairle: Seán Ó Fearghaíl Seanad Éireann Cathaoirleach: Jerry Buttimer Opposition Leader: Mary Lou McDonald Committees
Courts Supreme Court Chief Justice: Donal O'Donnell Court of Appeal President: George Birmingham High Court President: David Barniville Special Criminal Court Circuit Court President: Patricia Ryan District Court President: Paul Kelly
Elections Constituencies Political parties By-elections Electoral Commission Recent elections General 2016 2020 2024 Presidential 2004 2011 2018 Local 2014 2019 2024 European 2014 2019 2024
Administrative geography Counties Local government
Foreign relations Department of Foreign Affairs Minister: Micheál Martin Irish neutrality Diplomatic missions of / in Ireland Nationality law Passport Visa requirements Visa policy Ireland–United Kingdom relations Politics of Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement Ireland–UK border Brexit and the Irish border British–Irish Council Australia–Ireland relations Ireland–New Zealand relations Canada–Ireland relations Ireland–United States relations Politics of the European Union
Ireland portal Other countries
v t e

The 2011 Irish presidential election was the thirteenth presidential election to be held in Ireland, and was contested by a record seven candidates. It was held on Thursday, 27 October 2011. The election was held to elect a successor to Mary McAleese, with the winner to be inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland on 11 November 2011. Two constitutional referendums and a by-election for a vacant Dáil seat in the Dublin West constituency took place on the same day.

The seven candidates were Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Martin McGuinness, Gay Mitchell, David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon. Higgins was nominated by Labour, McGuinness by Sinn Féin and Mitchell by Fine Gael, while Independent candidates Davis, Gallagher, Norris and Scallon were nominated by local authorities. The previously dominant Fianna Fáil party declined to nominate a candidate following their disastrous general election campaign earlier that year. Michael D. Higgins was ultimately elected as president. Higgins also became the first politician in Irish history to obtain over 700,000 first preference votes and over one million votes in a final count.

Procedure

To qualify, candidates had to:

• be a citizen of Ireland
• be at least 35 years of age
• be nominated by:
  • at least twenty of the 226 serving members of the Houses of the Oireachtas (parliament), or
  • at least four of the 34 county or city councils, or
  • themself, in the case of a former president who has served one term.

Presidential elections are conducted under the Presidential Elections Act 1993, as amended. Constitutionally, the election must be held not more than 60 days before the ending of the term of office of the incumbent, or within 60 days of the office becoming vacant. On 27 July the government announced that the election would be held on 27 October 2011. An order was made on 30 August by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government declaring 28 September to be the last day on which nominations could be received. The election was conducted by means of the alternative vote (also called instant runoff voting), which is the single-winner analogue of the single transferable vote used in other Irish elections. Although the constitution calls the system "proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote", a single-winner election cannot be proportional. All Irish citizens entered on the current electoral register were eligible to vote.

Nomination campaign

Following the general election in February 2011, as well as subsequent Seanad election, only three political parties had the 20 members of Oireachtas required to nominate a candidate: Fine Gael (76 TDs and 19 senators), the Labour Party (37 TDs and 13 senators) and Fianna Fáil (19 TDs and 14 senators). Sinn Féin, the next largest party in the Dáil Éireann, had 14 TDs and 3 senators. For other candidates to be nominated by Oireachtas members, support would have been required from members of smaller parties, independents (of which there were then 14 TDs and 11 senators) or excess members of the three larger parties.

Fine Gael

Gay Mitchell, MEP for Dublin and former TD for Dublin South-Central was chosen as the Fine Gael candidate at a special convention held on 9 July 2011. He announced that he would be seeking the party's nomination in June 2011, having been contacted by "a large number of senior figures in the party". Voting was by secret ballot, with an electoral college consisting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party (TDs, Senators and MEPs) with 70% of the vote, county and city councillors (20%) and the twelve-member executive council (10%).

Three others sought the nomination:

• Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliament and former Progressive Democrats/Independent MEP. Early in June 2011, press reports indicated that Cox, who had stated his desire to stand as an independent candidate, was seeking to join Fine Gael to be eligible for the party's nomination. His application to join the party was accepted by Fine Gael's National Executive Committee on 14 June. He launched his campaign for the Fine Gael nomination on 17 June 2011, describing it as a "one-shot opportunity" and that if he failed to be nominated by the party he would not stand as an independent. Cox was claimed by the Irish Independent to be the preferred choice of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Fine Gael leadership.
• Avril Doyle, former MEP and TD. On 21 June 2011, she announced her candidacy. She withdrew from the contest on 7 July stating that she realised she was unlikely to receive the nomination.
• Mairead McGuinness, MEP for the East constituency, former presenter of Ear to the Ground on RTÉ One and former journalist with the Irish Independent. She announced her bid for the Fine Gael nomination in April 2011.

In March 2011, Fine Gael had produced a shortlist of three candidates: John Bruton, Seán Kelly and Mairead McGuinness. Bruton, a former Taoiseach and European Union Ambassador, ruled himself out of the contest on 28 May 2011. Kelly, an MEP and former President of the Gaelic Athletic Association indicated on 1 June 2011 that he would not be seeking the party's nomination, and wished to continue serving in the European Parliament. The party approached Nobel laureate poet Seamus Heaney in late 2010, but Heaney declined to stand unless he was an agreed cross-party candidate.

On the announcement that Mitchell had won the nomination, the Sunday Independent stated that Kenny was seen to slump and "could barely contain his disappointment." When questioned by a journalist on his apparent disappointment, Kenny responded sharply "Am I supposed to be going around grinning like a Cheshire Cat at everything?"

Labour Party

The Labour Party candidate was Michael D. Higgins. He was chosen jointly by the party's National Executive and the Labour Parliamentary Party at a special convention on 19 June 2011.

The former TD and minister originally indicated that he was interested in receiving the party's nomination in September 2010. Like Higgins, two other candidates put their names forward in late May 2011:

• Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of Barnardo's children's charity, announced on 9 September 2010 that he would seek the Labour Party's nomination for president.
• Kathleen O'Meara, former Senator, also put her name forward for the party nomination.

Fianna Fáil

For the first time in any presidential election, Fianna Fáil neither ran a candidate nor supported the nomination of a candidate. The decision was made at a meeting of the parliamentary party on 31 August 2011, and was in line with the recommendations of the six-person subcommittee formed by the party leader Micheál Martin to consider the matter.

In June 2011 press reports had indicated that the party was unlikely to run a candidate both for financial reasons and also because it was unlikely that a Fianna Fáil nominee could be successful. In early August 2011 there was press speculation that RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne might seek a nomination. On 6 August Micheál Martin rang Byrne at his holiday home to indicate that Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members would facilitate his nomination. Byrne indicated that he had yet to make a decision on whether to put his name forward, but said that if he did so he would not run under the Fianna Fáil banner but as an independent, albeit with the assistance of the party's organisation. "Fianna Fáil are convinced no matter who they put up will be unelectable, so they're giving me their support" he told the Irish Independent. Éamon Ó Cuív, the party's deputy leader and member of the committee tasked with deciding on their strategy for the election stated that "I know of no approach to Gay Byrne... Nobody has discussed the issue with me — good, bad or indifferent." On 13 August Byrne informed Martin that he would not be going forward for nomination. He stated that the idea of running had been "foisted on him and he had not known anything about it and what it would involve". This followed unease among Fianna Fáil parliamentary party Oireachtas members, with a number unhappy that a candidate was being imposed by the leadership without discussion.

On 16 August 2011, the Irish Examiner reported that Micheál Martin had moved to pull the party out of the presidential race over the fallout from the approach to Gay Byrne, the cost involved and the slim chance of a candidate being elected. On 24 August, however, the party's deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív told Raidió na Gaeltachta that he believed the party should put forward a candidate. Several members had expressed an interest in the party nomination:

• Brian Crowley, MEP, said in The Irish Times on 29 September 2008 that he would like to stand for president in 2011. In July 2011 he wrote to members of the parliamentary party confirming that he wished to contest the election as the Fianna Fáil candidate. On 23 August Crowley indicated that he would not be seeking a nomination. He stated that the party leadership "has demonstrated that it does not want an internal party candidate to contest the upcoming presidential election. So, with much disappointment, I do not now feel free to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination."
• Éamon Ó Cuív, TD for Galway West and former minister, expressed an interest in the office once held by his grandfather, Éamon de Valera.
• Senator Mary White had announced her intention to stand for the Fianna Fáil nomination in 2008, but in May 2011 said that she would not be seeking the nomination.
• Mary Hanafin also expressed an interest in seeking the nomination.

Following the decision by Fianna Fáil not to run their own candidate, there was speculation that some party members might be prepared to nominate an independent candidate. However, on 11 September the party's chief whip, Seán Ó Fearghail, made it clear that individual TDs and senators would not be permitted to sign the nomination papers of independent candidates. He said that if the party decided to support a candidacy it would be done collectively.

A meeting of the parliamentary party was held on 15 September at which the issue of the presidential election was raised. Unexpectedly, one of the party's senators, Labhrás Ó Murchú, sought nominations to run as an independent candidate. This was widely seen as a challenge to the authority of Micheál Martin. The extended meeting broke up without agreement. The parliamentary party met again on 20 September. Senator Ó Murchú withdrew his request for a nomination and a motion was passed that the party's Oireachtas members would not nominate or endorse any candidate. The decision was seen as a severe blow to the attempts to secure a nomination by David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon who were expected to need signatures from individual Fianna Fáil members.

Sinn Féin

At the party's Ard Comhairle meeting in Dublin in June 2011, the party's leader, Gerry Adams TD, ruled himself out as a candidate. He had previously expressed a wish to be elected president in time for the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016.

There had been reports in July that artist Robert Ballagh was "seriously considering a run for the presidency", and had been in talks with Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party and People Before Profit Alliance. A Sinn Féin source confirmed there had been "very informal discussions", However, on 25 July Ballagh ruled himself out.

In a keynote speech at the party's Ard Fheis on 10 September Gerry Adams said that he felt that Sinn Féin should support the nomination of "a candidate who is capable of winning the support of progressive and nationalist opinion… who will reflect the broad republican spirit of the Irish people at this time". He went on to state that the party's Ard Comhairle would consider the matter on 17 September.

On 16 September it was revealed that the party would seek to have Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, nominated to contest the election. With 14 TDs and three senators, Sinn Féin were three short of the required twenty Oireachtas members to nominate a candidate for the presidency. Soon after the nomination was announced, four Independent TDs agreed to nominate McGuinness, securing his nomination: Michael Healy-Rae and Tom Fleming (both representing Kerry South), Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (Roscommon–South Leitrim) and Finian McGrath (Dublin North-Central). Both 'Ming' Flanagan and McGrath had previously pledged their support to Norris.

Independent

In order to secure a nomination, a number of non-party politicians sought the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four city or county councils.

Oireachtas nominations

• David Norris, a Senator since 1987 and long time civil rights campaigner, credited with helping overthrow Ireland's laws criminalising homosexuality, launched his campaign in January 2011. It had initially been anticipated that he might be nominated by the Labour Party. A Red C poll commissioned by Paddy Power in January 2011 showed that Norris was by far the most popular choice for president with more than double the support of any of the other potential candidates. On 14 March 2011 Norris formally launched his campaign to secure a nomination, stating that he had written to the chairpersons of each of the 34 county and city councils and that he would also be individually contacting the independent TDs elected to the 31st Dail. On 21 July Norris revealed that he had secured the support of 13 Oireachtas members for his candidacy, and was confident of securing 20. On 22 July two more senators announced they would back him. However, on 2 August, Norris publicly announced at a press conference that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. This followed the decision of three of his backers, the TDs John Halligan, Finian McGrath and Thomas Pringle to withdraw their support following revelations that Norris had written a letter to a court asking clemency for his former partner Ezra Nawi, who was then on trial in Israel. This information was publicised on 24 July by John Connolly, a Zionist blogger in London, who claimed he had received a tip-off from an associate he admitted may have been a supporter of Norris's campaign rival and eventual election winner Michael D. Higgins. Norris withdrew his candidacy on 2 August due to the controversy. Nawi, a human rights campaigner and pacifist who has been jailed for several short spells for his activism, suggested at the time that his deeds were being "recycled" against him and those associated with him. However, by 15 September, media reports indicated Norris was seeking to re-enter the election, and was meeting independent TDs looking for their support. By 25 September, 18 members of the Oireachtas had signed Norris's nomination papers. Then Mattie McGrath TD indicated that he would not be signing Norris's nomination papers following a meeting with his supporters. This effectively ended the attempt to gain nomination through the Oireachtas, although Michael Lowry TD stated he would give the final required nomination if Norris acquired 19 nominations.
• Niall O'Dowd, New York based journalist and publisher. Early in June 2011, he indicated he had been approached by "a cross-party group of Irish and Irish-Americans" urging him to put his name forward for the contest. O'Dowd travelled to Ireland later in the month to meet Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and independent TDs and senators in an attempt to gain a nomination. O'Dowd withdrew from seeking a nomination on 30 June, due to the difficulty of organising a campaign and "because he stopped believing he could win".
• The members of the Technical Group of independents in Dáil Éireann considered nominating a candidate. Finian McGrath, the chair of the group, circulated a list of 10 possible candidates to the members during the summer of 2011. Although meetings were held with Dana Rosemary Scallon, Mary Davis and Trócaire chief executive Justin Kilcullen no agreement was reached. Kilcullen withdrew from seeking a nomination on 14 September.

Council nominations

A number of independent politicians sought support from local authorities, with four candidates nominated by the resolutions of four or more councils:

• Mary Davis announced on 26 May 2011 that she would be seeking a nomination. She had originally stated in August 2010 that she would consider standing for the presidency if approached by a political party. She subsequently decided to run as an independent, seeking nominations from four local authorities.
• Seán Gallagher. In May 2011, The Sunday Business Post reported that he was likely to seek a nomination. The Irish Times subsequently reported that in addition to seeking the support of independents, he was approaching Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members in order to run as an independent candidate, but with a "semi-detached" relationship with the party. On 13 June 2011, he began the process of looking for nominations from local authorities.
• David Norris. Norris approached a number of councils in June and July 2011. On 2 August Norris announced he was withdrawing from the election. In September he reversed the decision, and received his first local authority nomination on 20 September.
• Dana Rosemary Scallon announced on 19 September that she would be seeking a presidential nomination. She initially attempted to gain the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members. However, by 21 September, she only secured the support of one TD. She instead began the process of seeking support from county and city councils.

A number of councils scheduled special meetings to consider presidential nominations prior to the deadline of midday on 28 September 2011.

Candidates

Seven candidates contested the presidential election, having been selected by their parties or having received sufficient council nominations. This was the largest number of candidates to contest an Irish presidential election.

• Mary Davis, social entrepreneur, disability rights campaigner and best known as organiser of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland, was nominated by local councils.
• Seán Gallagher, entrepreneur, panellist on the Dragons' Den television programme and former member of the Fianna Fáil National Executive, was nominated by local councils.
• Michael D. Higgins, former Government Minister and TD was selected by the Labour Party.
• Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was selected by Sinn Féin, and received enough support from independent TDs to be nominated.
• Gay Mitchell, MEP and former TD was selected by Fine Gael.
• David Norris, Senator, scholar and civil rights campaigner, was nominated by local councils.
• Dana Rosemary Scallon, former MEP, was nominated by local councils.

Election campaign

The "motley crew" of candidates (The Washington Times) led to much attention on the campaign and election outcome from the international media. The Guardian described it as "the most fractious presidential election campaign since the republic was founded".

Phil Hogan of Fine Gael, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, attacked Martin McGuinness claiming that US multinational companies would be "appalled" if Martin McGuinness were elected and foreign direct investment would drop. This was followed by a tweet made by Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe which claimed that McGuinness profited from the Northern Bank robbery. This was in response to a pledge made by McGuinness to only take the average industrial wage, if elected president. McGuinness dismissed both charges as "black propaganda". It was reported in The Irish Times that Fine Gael's "strategy of levelling strongly worded accusations at Mr McGuinness was part of a drive to motivate party voters to come out in support of Mr Mitchell in the October 27th election".

At her formal campaign launch on 4 October, Independent Mary Davis accused Fine Gael of using polling companies to research attacks on her. She also pledged she would ask the Government to bring the office of President under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act and that she would publish an annual expenditure report for the Áras. David Norris also made a pledge to publish expenses. Mrs. Davis eventually accepted "collective responsibility" for mortgage lending decisions made after she was appointed to the board of the ICS building society.

During the campaign, several relatives of people killed during The Troubles objected to the prospect of a former IRA member, McGuinness, becoming president. On 10 October, McGuinness was confronted in Athlone by the son of a member of the Irish Army killed by the IRA after Don Tidey's kidnap in Ballinamore in 1983. In a RTÉ interview that aired on 20 October, Bryan Dobson noted a 1985 Hot Press interview in which McGuinness indicated that he considered the IRA volunteers at Ballinamore to be "defending themselves against armed Gardaí and soldiers." When Dobson then asked if it was "fair to say that on this occasion you were standing over the killing of members of the Gardaí and Defence Forces?" McGuinness insisted that he has "never done that." The family of Garda Detective Frank Hand, killed in 1984, accused McGuinness of misleading younger generations with a "glossy campaign". The husband of a mother killed by the IRA in 1981 said he doubted McGuinness' claims of ignorance about the identities of IRA killers, saying "If anybody knows who did it, he does. If he is full of apologies he has never apologised to me".

In Northern Ireland, unionists took exception to the appearance of McGuinness election posters there given that Northern Ireland citizens were not eligible to vote in this election. Sinn Féin has regularly called for voting rights in the presidential election to be extended to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.

Michael D. Higgins was confronted by former Tara mines workers while canvassing in Meath. The workers were upset about their pensions being cut.

Debates

The first broadcast debate of the campaign took place on 28 September 2011, the day that nominations closed, on RTÉ Radio 1's News at One programme. This was followed by a series of televised one-on-one interviews with the candidates on RTÉ One's evening Prime Time programme on the same day. A second debate was held on The Late Late Show on 30 September; David Norris was not interviewed alone as the other six candidates were as he had been interviewed the previous week on the programme, but was included in the later panel debate.

On 4 October, TV3 broadcast Vincent Browne's Big Presidential Debate. Gay Mitchell challenged Martin McGuinness on the "fairytale" that he left the IRA in 1974, asking him directly: "If you (McGuinness) say you left the IRA in 1974 and persist in saying that when you didn’t; if you say you are living on the average industrial wage when you are drawing down a couple of hundred grand – how can people have confidence in your word?" Moderator Vincent Browne later challenged Martin McGuinness' claims that he left the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1974, producing eight books with alleged evidence claiming otherwise. McGuinness referenced this moment when he said in a later debate on the radio that people would blame him for the 1916 Rising if they could find a way to implicate him. Fine Gael candidate Gay Mitchell suffered heavily for his controversial views on suicide and on Ireland joining the Commonwealth. Labour candidate Michael D. Higgins was pursued by his past links to the unpopular Fianna Fáil and his admission that he had smoked cannabis.

During a debate on Today FM Gay Mitchell controversially spoke of Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth, with some other candidates disagreeing with him. Mitchell suffered from poor voter recognition, and was criticised over remarks on suicide he made on live radio.

On 12 October, Miriam O'Callaghan moderated a debate on RTÉ's Prime Time with the seven candidates. The debate, lasting 90 minutes, took place on a Wednesday night, though Prime Time usually aired on a Tuesday and Thursday, and was announced a week in advance. Dana Rosemary Scallon read out a prepared statement towards the end of the debate, announcing that a "malicious" and "false" accusation has been made against her and her family in the United States and, while refusing to divulge any details, she said she would leave "no stone unturned" in her mission to track down the person or organisation responsible. Scallon was visibly upset and was comforted by other candidates. She met with her lawyers the next day. David Norris expressed sorrow for Scallon and comforted her, also expressing frustration at the general tone of the election campaign and saying the media had libelled him in some of its reports. Scallon told TV3 News on 14 October that a freelance journalist had told her the allegations would appear through the media. Miriam O'Callaghan's treatment of Martin McGuinness resulted in more than 100 complaints to RTÉ. O'Callaghan's RTÉ colleague Pat Kenny said he watched on "with shock and horror because I don't think I've ever seen a politician ever interviewed on radio before and more or less called a murderer. That was kind of shocking." McGuinness himself also expressed disappointment with O'Callaghan.

Gallagher's campaign suffered a severe setback on 24 October when, in the last televised debate before the election, he admitted collecting a €5,000 cheque from someone he described as a "convicted criminal and fuel smuggler", for a Fianna Fáil fundraiser event which gave access to the then Taoiseach, Brian Cowen after being questioned on the matter by Martin McGuinness. Gallagher had been the frontrunner in an opinion poll at this point. The donation was later revealed to be from businessman Hugh Morgan. Gallagher subsequently denied collecting a cheque from Morgan, but refused to answer questions on an illegal director's loan of €82,829, which had also been raised in the 24 October televised debate. After this performance Gallagher's campaign was compared to Devon Loch's fall at the winning post in the 1956 Grand National. He was reported to have been left "shell-shocked" afterwards. Gallagher cancelled his planned meet-the-people visits the following day so that he could tour broadcasters and attempt to explain his behaviour. On 7 March 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) upheld a complaint against RTÉ relating to the broadcasting of the tweet that derailed Gallagher's presidential campaign.

Eventual winner Michael D. Higgins was pursued by his past links to the Fianna Fáil party, and admitted on 13 October that he had been elected chairman of the UCG Fianna Fáil university cumann in 1966. While at university in the United States he had, he admitted, smoked marijuana. However, media reports said he was "spared the intense grilling Miriam O'Callaghan meted out to some of the others" during the Prime Time debate.

Campaign spending

In February 2012 the Standards in Public Office Commission published the candidates' returns for campaign donations and election expenses. Candidates who receive more than 25% of a quota (i.e. 12.5% of the total votes; 221,471 votes) at any stage are entitled to a refund of election expenses to a maximum of €200,000. Three candidates received the maximum refund allowed; the other four had too few votes and received no refund. Only donations above €638 need be reported, making the reported totals less meaningful. Gay Mitchell had stated his campaign would be funded by a Fine Gael members' lottery.

Opinion polls

Vote

Voting took place between 07:00 and 22:00 (IST) on 27 October.

As usual, voting began on certain offshore islands a few days before the rest of the country. On the Donegal islands of Arranmore, Gola, Inishfree, Inisbofin and Tory, voting took place on 24 October between 11:00 and 15:00 (11:00 and 19:30 on Arranmore). On 25 October, the Mayo islands of Clare Island, Inishbiggle and Inishturk went to the polls; while the Galway islands of Inishbofin and the Aran Islands voted on 26 October between 07:00 and 22:00.

After 15 hours of voting, ballot boxes were secured, with nationwide counting of votes beginning the following morning after presidential votes were separated from constitutional referendum votes (which were due to be counted later).

Result

Counting of votes began at 09:00 on 28 October. The fourth and final count was completed by 15:56 on 29 October.

Constituency results

Reactions

Fine Gael General Secretary Tom Curran called it a "bad day" for the party, adding "From early on the electorate had the view that Gay (Mitchell) was out of the race and that it was a two person race". Mitchell received only about one in eight votes from his previous constituency of Dublin South-Central. Mitchell performed considerably worse than Fine Gael's 1990 candidate Austin Currie which was one of the party's most unsuccessful election campaigns. Gallagher's sudden demise was compared to Devon Loch's fall at the winning post in the 1956 Grand National. Speaking at the RDS count centre, David Norris conceded and sent Higgins his congratulations, calling him "a bit of a maverick like myself". Norris mentioned on radio that he had been "collecting apologies in the newspapers" and that they "told the truth in the end". Higgins received a hero's welcome at a victory reception on 30 October at Eyre Square, Galway; approximately 5,000 people turned out to welcome him home.

References

1. ^ "Presidential candidates in first debate". RTÉ News. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 30 September 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
2. ^ "Presidential election set for a Thursday, despite objections in the past". thejournal.ie. 28 July 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
3. Voting on certain offshore islands took place on 24 and 25 October. "Voting begins in presidential election today". Irish Independent. 24 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
4. Burke-Kennedy, Eoin (27 July 2011). "Date set for presidential poll". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
5. "Dublin West by-election set for 27 October". RTÉ News. 7 October 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
6. "RTÉ Live Election Count (Friday)". RTÉ News. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
7. "Irish presidential election: Michael D Higgins elected". BBC News. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
8. ^ Article 12 of the Constitution of Ireland "Constitution of Ireland — Bunreacht na hÉireann" (PDF). Department of the Taoiseach. March 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 February 2011. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
9. The 1996 report of the Constitution Review Group notes "There is an apparent discrepancy between the English and Irish versions. The Irish version has 'ag a bhfuil cúig bliana tríochad slán' (that is, has completed thirty-five years), whereas the English version is 'who has reached his thirty-fifth year of age', which could mean has entered rather than completed that year." As according to article 25.5.4 of Bunreacht na hÉireannn in "case of conflict... the text in the national language (Irish) shall prevail", this means a candidate must be at least 35 years old. Report of the Constitution Review Group (PDF). July 1996. pp. 25, 42. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011.
10. ^ "How The President is Elected" (PDF). Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
11. "Presidential election date named". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
12. "Presidential Election Order". Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. 30 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
13. Constitution Review Group (1996). "Article XII – XIV The President" (PDF). Report. Government of Ireland. p. 22. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
14. "Electing a President — Preferential Voting". ACE: The Electoral Knowledge Network. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2011.
15. ^ De Bréadún, Deaglán (9 July 2011). "Mitchell chosen as FG candidate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
16. "Mitchell to seek FG nomination". The Irish Times. 10 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
17. ^ McGee, Harry (6 June 2011). "Cox seeks to join FG and run as party presidential candidate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
18. McGee, Harry (15 June 2011). "Cox clears hurdle in bid for presidency as FG accepts him". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 9 December 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
19. ^ Sheehan, Maeve (12 June 2011). "Crowded field makes winning Presidency no walk in Park". Sunday Independent. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
20. Arthur Beesley & Paul Cullen (11 June 2011). "FG is not parachuting candidate, says Shatter". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
21. Minihan, Mary (11 May 2011). "Cox takes soundings over Áras prospects". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
22. "Pat Cox becomes member of Fine Gael". RTÉ News. 14 June 2011. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
23. Brennan, Michael (18 June 2011). "Cox trails two MEPs in battle for FG's Aras nomination". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 19 June 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
24. Cullen, Paul (18 June 2011). "Cox opens campaign to win FG presidential nomination". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
25. ^ McConnell, Daniel (10 July 2011). "Kenny seen to 'slump' as Mitchell wins nomination". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2011.
26. "Avril Doyle seeks FG nomination in Áras bid". RTÉ News. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
27. "Doyle withdraws from Presidential campaign". RTÉ News. 7 July 2011. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2011.
28. "Maireád McGuinness in Áras bid". The Irish Times. 15 April 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
29. ^ Sheehan, Fionnan (21 March 2011). "Fine Gael reveals presidential wishlist". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 23 March 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
30. "John Bruton rules out running for President". RTÉ News. 28 May 2011. Archived from the original on 29 May 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
31. "Kelly will not seek Presidential nomination". RTÉ News. 2 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
32. McCarthy, Justine (20 March 2011). "No President Heaney". Sunday Times. pp. 1, 3.
33. ^ "Michael D Higgins wins Labour Áras nomination". RTÉ News. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 20 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
34. Deaglán de Bréadún (10 September 2010). "Higgins seeks Labour Party nomination for presidency". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
35. ^ Minihan, Mary (26 May 2011). "Special Olympics chief set for Áras bid". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
36. ^ "David Norris launches presidential campaign". RTÉ News. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 14 March 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2011.
37. Clodagh Sheehy (9 September 2010). "Finlay wants Labour ticket for President". Evening Herald. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
38. McGee, Harry (1 September 2011). "Fianna Fáil decides against fielding presidential candidate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 1 September 2011. Retrieved 1 September 2011.
39. ^ Harry McGee and Deaglán De Bréadún (14 June 2011). "Kenny stays neutral on candidate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
40. Cool pools (30 August 2011). "Fionnan Sheahan: FF members must face up to reality of party's unpopularity". Independent.ie. Archived from the original on 27 November 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
41. McGee, Harry (10 August 2011). "Martin's phone call could prove key moment in presidential campaign". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
42. ^ Ken Sweeney, Fiach Kelly and Sam Smyth (10 August 2011). "Gaybo: FF support me but I am an 'independent' candidate". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
43. ^ "Gay Byrne claims Fianna Fáil support". RTÉ News. 10 August 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
44. "Gay Byrne says no to Presidential campaign". RTÉ News. 13 August 2011. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
45. Pope, Conor (13 August 2011). "Gay Byrne has ruled himself out of presidential race". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 13 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
46. McEnroe, Juno (16 August 2011). "Martin moves to pull party out of presidential race". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
47. "Ó Cuív wants FF Presidential candidate". RTÉ News. 24 August 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
48. "Fianna Fáil MEP Crowley says he would like to run for president". The Irish Times. 29 September 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2008.
49. ^ Sheehan, Fionnan (29 July 2011). "Crowley seeks FF nod to join race for Aras". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
50. Sam Smyth, Fionnan Sheehan (24 August 2011). "Fianna Fáil in turmoil: Crowley lashes out at Michael Martin". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
51. "Press Digest — Ireland". Reuters. 7 February 2008. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
52. "Pat Cox interested in running for Áras". RTÉ News. 11 May 2011. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
53. McGee, Harry (22 August 2011). "Fianna Fáil to discuss options for presidency". Irishtimes.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
54. "FF TDs cannot back individual Áras candidates". RTÉ News. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
55. ^ "Fianna Fáil unable to decide on presidential candidate". Irish Examiner. 16 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
56. Stephen Collins and Mary Minihan (16 September 2011). "Blow for Martin as Ó Murchú makes bid for Áras". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
57. Stephen Collins and Mary Minihan (21 September 2011). "FF move a blow to Dana, Norris". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
58. "Adams rules out Presidential bid". TV3. 11 June 2011. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
59. ^ Fionan Sheahan (10 September 2010). "Race to succeed McAleese will be no stroll in the park". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
60. Cullen, Paul (23 July 2011). "Ballagh may join Áras race with SF support". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
61. Sheehan, Fionnan (22 July 2011). "Left-wing parties back artist Ballagh for Aras". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
62. Marese McDonagh and Fionnan Sheahan (26 July 2011). "Robert Ballagh rules out running for President after talks". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 27 August 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
63. Murray, Alan (11 September 2011). "Adams hints at SF bid for presidency". Sunday Independent. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
64. "Sinn Féin may support presidential candidate". RTÉ News. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
65. Moriarty, Gerry (12 September 2011). "Adams in favour of running candidate for presidency". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 12 September 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
66. "Martin McGuinness to be SF candidate for Áras". RTÉ News. 16 September 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
67. Stephen Collins and Gerry Moriarty (17 September 2011). "Four independents back McGuinness's presidential race". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
68. "Norris admits interest in running for presidency". The Sunday Tribune. 21 February 2010. Archived from the original on 27 February 2010.
69. "David Norris for President". Norrisforpresident.ie. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
70. Paul Galvin (10 January 2011). "Norris tops President poll". Independent.ie. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
71. "David Norris ahead in Red C presidential poll". RTÉ.ie. 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
72. "Norris has backing of 13 Oireachtas members". RTÉ News. 21 July 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2011.
73. "David Norris gets backing from two Senators". RTÉ News. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2011.
74. ^ "Norris withdraws from presidential election race". The Irish Times. 2 August 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
75. "Ezra Nawi rape conviction went unreported in Israel: report, The story which has ended the presidential hopes of David Norris has only come to light 14 years later". The Journal. 3 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2011.
76. "Israel and Labour deny plot against Norris as backers consider support: More details emerge about the scandal that has rocked the independent Senator's campaign". The Journal. 1 August 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
77. "Ezra Nawi: Norris was victim of dirty tricks campaign". The Journal. 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
78. "Shane Ross To Support Norris Nomination". RTÉ News. 25 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
79. "McGrath won't support Norris nomination bid". RTÉ News. 25 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
80. McEnroe, Juno (26 September 2011). "Norris bid rests on council votes as McGrath says 'no'". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
81. "Ross agrees to sign Norris nomination papers". Irish Examiner. 25 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
82. "O'Dowd to seek FF, SF nominations". The Irish Times. 20 June 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
83. ^ "Niall O'Dowd pulls out of Presidential race". RTÉ News. 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
84. McEnroe, Juno (26 August 2011). "Independents unlikely to nominate Áras candidate". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 16 November 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
85. Cullen, Paul (10 September 2011). "TDs give up attempts to agree Áras contender". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
86. "Norris seeks Áras support from Independents". RTÉ News. 15 September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
87. "Mary Davis announces bid for presidency". RTÉ News. 26 May 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
88. Terry Prone (26 May 2011). "With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up". Evening Herald. Archived from the original on 30 May 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2011.
89. Niamh Connoly (15 August 2010). "Special Olympics guru 'would consider' Áras run". Sunday Business Post. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
90. Reilly, Jerome (22 May 2011). "Special Olympics chief to decide on Aras run in days". Sunday Independent. Archived from the original on 25 May 2011. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
91. Tierney, Ciarán (18 June 2011). "Davis confident of securing support for presidential run". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
92. ^ "Mary Davis addresses council in Áras bid". RTÉ News. 20 June 2011. Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
93. Minihan, Mary (13 May 2011). "Norris says bid asks questions of FG". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
94. Connolly, Niamh (1 May 2011). "Gallagher plans to swap Den for run at the Park". Sunday Business Post. Archived from the original on 6 May 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
95. McGee, Harry (7 May 2011). "'Dragon' seeks FF support for Park bid". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
96. ^ De Bréadún, Deaglán (13 September 2011). "Davis and Gallagher nominated to run". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 13 September 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2011.
97. Kelly, Fiach (14 June 2011). "Norris hits the road for his 'Super Monday'". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
98. "David Norris to address Kilkenny county council". KCLR 96FM. 20 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 20 June 2011.
99. ^ "Fingal County Council backs Norris". Irish Examiner. 20 September 2011. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
100. "Dana seeking nomination for Áras election". RTÉ News. 19 September 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
101. Collins, Stephen (21 September 2011). "Dana and Norris unlikely to get enough backers in race". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 22 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
102. Stephen Collins and Marie O'Halloran (24 September 2011). "Dana may get backing of two more councils". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
103. "Seven candidates likely for Áras race". RTÉ News. 24 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
104. Stephen Collins and Marie O'Halloran (24 September 2011). "Dana may get backing of two more councils". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
105. "Galway council backs Mary Davis in Áras bid". RTÉ News. 2 September 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
106. ^ "Davis pledge in presidential battle". Belfast Telegraph. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
107. ^ "Carlow, Roscommon back Dana's Áras bid". RTÉ.ie. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
108. Roddy, Margaret. "Mary gets backing of Council in race". Dundalk Argus. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
109. ^ "Two independents receive Áras nominations". RTÉ News. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
110. ^ "Davis officially a Presidential candidate". RTÉ News. 12 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
111. Kelleher, Eoin (20 September 2011). "North Tipp to Support Mary Davis for Presidency". Tipperary Star. Archived from the original on 3 August 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
112. ^ "Two nominations for both Gallagher, Davis". RTÉ News. 5 September 2011. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
113. "Waterford city backs David Norris Áras bid". RTÉ.ie. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
114. ^ "Norris is an official presidential candidate after Dublin City Council nomination". TheJournal.ie. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
115. "Carlow backs Dana, Laois nominates Norris". RTÉ News. 26 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
116. "Dana gets third nomination as bids go down to the wire". RTÉ News. 27 September 2011. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
117. "Dana confirmed as Presidential candidate — RTÉ News". RTÉ.ie. 20 October 2010. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
118. McGuinness was nominated by Sinn Féin and a number of independent Oireachtas members. "Sinn Féin Officer Board nominate Martin McGuinness for office of Uachtarán na hÉireann". Sinn Féin. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2011.
119. "Dana is officially a presidential candidate following Offaly nomination". TheJournal.ie. 19 September 2011. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
120. "Reality-TV star V ex-IRA warlord: the international view on #Aras11" Archived 29 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. thejournal.ie. 27 October 2011.
121. McDonald, Henry. "Ireland goes to polls after bitter presidential campaign" Archived 8 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. The Guardian. 27 October 2011.
122. Drennan, John; Corcoran, Jody (2 October 2011). "Phil Hogan warns: No terrorist in the Aras". Sunday Independent. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
123. "Government's chief whip Kehoe confirms: McGuinness attack was me". TheJournal.ie. 3 October 2011. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
124. "McGuinness rails against FG 'black propaganda'". RTÉ News. 3 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
125. Minihan, Mary (3 October 2011). "McGuinness says FG remarks about him are 'outrageous'". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
126. "Davis accuses Fine Gael of negative tactics". RTÉ News. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
127. "Mary Davis accepts 'collective responsibility'". RTÉ News. 17 October 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
128. "Relatives put McGuinness's past under renewed scrutiny". The Irish Times. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
129. McDonald, Henry (12 October 2011). "IRA victim's brother says Martin McGuinness has blood on his hands". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
130. Teather, David; Chrisafis, Angelique (15 March 2005). "McGuinness warns McCartney sisters". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
131. Gilligan, Andrew (8 October 2011). "Don't mention the IRA to Martin McGuinness". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 17 November 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
132. "McGuinness confronted by dead soldier's son". RTÉ News. 10 October 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
133. "Reminders of Irish 'troubles' rise to surface". CNN. 11 October 2011. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
134. Six One News Thursday, 20 October 2011 Archived 1 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine at 27 minutes, RTÉ News, 20 October 2011
135. "McGuinness is misleading the young, says dead garda's sister". Irish Independent. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
136. Niall O'Connor. McGuinness 'has blood of tragic garda on his hands' herald.ie 12 October 2011.
137. "Campaign is a 'circus'- says murder victim's husband". Londonderry Sentinel. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
138. "Unionist outrage over McGuinness's posters". The News Letter. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
139. O'Halloran, Marie (11 August 2011). "Sinn Féin urges presidential voting rights for North". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
140. ^ "Áras candidates take part in Today FM debate". RTÉ News. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
141. "News at One". RTÉ News. 28 September 2011. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
142. Fallon, Johnny (29 September 2011). "Last night's TV: Primetime presential debate". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
143. "As It Happened — Late Late Show debate". RTÉ News. 1 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
144. "Browne's the big winner in presidential debate". Evening Herald. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
145. "Candidates face off in TV3 debate". Irish Examiner. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
146. Niall O'Connor. Browne reveals McGuinness still in the IRA three years ago herald.ie 5 October 2011.
147. Eithne Tynan. Last night's TV: Presidential Debate TV3 Archived 7 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Irish Independent 5 October 2011.
148. Mcgreevy, Ronan (11 October 2011). "Candidates hold radio debate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
149. "Voters know Mitchell very well – after a quick Google search". Irish Independent. 8 October 2011. Archived from the original on 9 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
150. "Mitchell remarks on suicide 'unfortunate'". RTÉ News. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
151. "Gay Mitchell slammed over throwaway suicide remark". IrishCentral.com. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
152. ^ "Miriam O'Callaghan ready for 'challenge'". RTÉ News. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011.
153. "Candidates in presidency debate". The Irish Times. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
154. "'Prime Time' to stage mid-race debate". Irish Independent. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
155. ^ "Live — Prime Time Debate: 2247". RTÉ News. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
156. "Dana criticises "vile and false" accusation against member of her family". Irish Examiner. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
157. "Presidential hopeful Dana comforted after 'vile' claim". BBC News. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
158. "Dana meeting with legal team over unknown allegations". The Journal. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
159. "David Norris 'sorry' for Dana after statement". RTÉ News. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
160. "Dana rejects allegations made against relative". BBC News. 14 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
161. "RTÉ treatment of McGuinness generates over 100 complaints". Irish Times. 14 October 2011.
162. Finn, Melanie (14 October 2011). "I back Miriam but won't take same line, vows Kenny". Evening Herald. Independent News & Media. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
163. Reilly, Gavan (15 October 2011). "McGuinness admits frustration at "unfair" Prime Time treatment". The Journal. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
164. "Businessman says Gallagher collected €5,000 cheque". The Irish Times. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
165. "Hugh Morgan says he handed cheque to Gallagher". RTÉ. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
166. McDonald, Henry. "Seán Gallagher is frontrunner in Irish presidential race before final TV debate" Archived 9 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. The Guardian. 24 October 2011.
167. "Gallagher tries to put Áras campaign back on course". The Irish Times. 25 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
168. ^ "Surprises still possible in Irish presidential election" Archived 24 November 2018 at the Wayback Machine. BBC News. 27 October 2011.
169. McKittrick, David. "Storm envelops favourite in Irish presidential race: Row over €5,000 Fianna Fail donation may dash businessman's chances of victory in today's vote" Archived 28 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine. The Independent. 27 October 2011.
170. "'Dirty tricks' row dominates Irish presidential race as voters head to polls" Archived 28 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine. The Daily Telegraph. 27 October 2011.
171. "BAI upholds complaint against Frontline tweet". RTÉ News. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 7 March 2012. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2012.
172. ^ O'Regan, Mark (13 October 2011). "Higgins admits he smoked dope – and yes, he inhaled". Irish Independent. Archived from the original on 15 November 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
173. "The big debate verdict". Evening Herald. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 9 September 2012.
174. "As It Happened — Late Late Show debate". RTÉ News. 1 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 February 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
175. "Live — Presidential debate". RTÉ News. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
176. "Mitchell 'would accept' Commonwealth membership for a united Ireland" Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Irish Examiner. 11 October 2011.
177. McGreevy, Ronan. "Candidates hold radio debate" Archived 12 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. The Irish Times. 11 October 2011.
178. "TG4 Hits Stumbling Block in Debate Plans". Aras2011.wordpress.com. 30 September 2011. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
179. "As It Happened — Presidential debate". RTÉ.ie. 5 October 2011. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
180. "The TG4 Presidential Election debate, as it happened". the journal.ie. 18 October 2011. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
181. O'Brien, Ciara (22 October 2011). "Old issues raise heads in debate". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
182. "Newstalk Google Presidential Debate". 24 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011 – via YouTube.
183. "Live: Frontline Presidential Debate". RTÉ News. 24 October 2011. Archived from the original on 24 October 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
184. ^ "Donations and election expenses disclosed". Report to Ceann Comhairle Re Presidential Election of 27 October 2012. Standards in Public Office Commission. 14 February 2012. Archived from the original on 19 February 2012.
185. "Guidelines for the Presidential Election – 2011". Standards in Public Office Commission. 2011. Archived from the original on 15 January 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
186. ^ Whelan, Noel (18 February 2012). "Áras race shows money and spin can't buy success". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 18 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
187. "Norris & Higgins lead in Áras race poll". RTÉ News. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
188. Stephen Collins and Ronan McGreevy (6 October 2011). "Kenny urges Fine Gael to rally behind Mitchell". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
189. "Michael D Higgins leads Red C poll". RTÉ News. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
190. "Gallagher storms into major lead in latest opinion poll". thejournal.ie. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
191. "Two polls put Gallagher ahead in Áras race". RTÉ News. 22 October 2011. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
192. Collins, Stephen (22 October 2011). "Gallagher in commanding lead, latest Áras poll shows". The Irish Times. Retrieved 22 October 2011.
193. "Presidential Election Order 2011" (PDF). Iris Oifigiúil. 2 September 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
194. "Voting under way on Aran Islands, Inis Bofin". RTÉ News. 26 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
195. "Polls open to elect president and vote on referendums" Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Irish Examiner. 27 October 2011.
196. "Polls open for presidential election" Archived 28 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Irish Independent. 27 October 2011.
197. "Voting Opens in Presidential Election" Archived 28 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Hot Press. 27 October 2011.
198. "Polling closes in Presidential Election" Archived 28 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. RTÉ News. 27 October 2011.
199. "Live: Michael D Higgins elected President". RTÉ. 29 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
200. ^ "Vote 2011 – Presidential Election". RTÉ News. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
201. "Presidential Election November 2011". ElectionsIreland.org. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
202. ^ "Tallies indicate Higgins set to become next president". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
203. "Higgins in poll position as Mitchell sees campaign crash". Irish Examiner. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
204. McDonald, Henry (28 October 2011). "Higgins ahead in Irish presidential election". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
205. "Live: Election Count 1327". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
206. ^ "Live: Election Count 1157 and 1143". RTÉ News. Archived from the original on 28 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
207. "Michael D Higgins on course win Ireland presidency". The Daily Telegraph. London. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
208. "Tribal homecoming to city that stole his heart". Irish Independent. 30 October 2011. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
209. "Irish president-elect Michael D Higgins welcomed home". Belfast Telegraph. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
210. "Tribal welcome home for President-elect". Irish Examiner. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
211. "Michael D Higgins becomes Irish president". The Guardian. London. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2011.

v t e Elections and referendums in the Republic of Ireland
Dáil elections	1918 1921 1922 1923 1927 (Jun) 1927 (Sep) 1932 1933 1937 1938 1943 1944 1948 1951 1954 1957 1961 1965 1969 1973 1977 1981 1982 (Feb) 1982 (Nov) 1987 1989 1992 1997 2002 2007 2011 2016 2020 2024 By-elections
Seanad elections	1925
Presidential elections	1938 1945 1952 1959 1966 1973 1974 1976 1983 1990 1997 2004 2011 2018 2025
European elections	1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 2019 2024
Local elections	1920 1925 1928 1934 1942 1945 1950 1955 1960 1967 1974 1979 1985 1991 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 2019 2024
Referendums	1937 1959 1968 1972 (May) 1972 (Dec) 1979 1983 1984 1986 1987 1992 (Jun) 1992 (Nov) 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 (Mar) 2002 (Oct) 2004 2008 2009 2011 2012 (May) 2012 (Nov) 2013 2015 2018 (May) 2018 (Oct) 2019 2024
See also: Elections in the Kingdom of Ireland Elections in Ireland as part of the UK

• 2011 Irish presidential election
• 2011 elections in the Republic of Ireland
• 2011 in Irish politics
• Michael D. Higgins
• Political scandals in the Republic of Ireland
• Presidential elections in Ireland
• October 2011 events in Ireland