>where to keep track of the election
https://irelandvotes.com/

>who are the two candidates
Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael):
https://www.heatherforpresident.ie/
Catherine Connolly (Independent)
https://www.catherineconnollyforpresident.ie/

>Turnout so far (will rise as day goes on)
10.6%

>QRD
The President of Ireland is the Head of State, akin to the King of the United Kingdom; while "powerless", they can have a lot of influence both on Ireland's reputation internationally and as a guardian of the constitution. This election is particularly significant because every single left-wing Irish party has rallied behind Catherine Connolly, as a precursor to a potential left-wing coalition for the elections in 2030. If Catherine Connolly wins, it's highly likely that lefty parties (in particular Sinn Féin) will get a bump in votes at the polls next time round.
>Why only 2 candidates?
There are 3 candidates on the ballot, but only 2 are valid; the 3rd (Jim Gavin, Fianna Fáil) dropped out of the race. To be on the ballot you need to have some measure of support on the ground, as you need either 20 politicians (from any party) or 4 city/county councils to nominate you.

>What happens if [candidate] wins?
If Humphreys wins, more of the same. She is arch Fine Gael, a government party, and will mostly go along with whatever they want.

If Connolly wins, it'll be the most left-wing President in history and the second lefty President in a row. She is extremely critical of Israel, the UK, the USA, and is a light skeptic of the EU. He fully endorses a united Ireland, but again-she embraces her reputation as "anti-west."

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