Catherine Connolly wins Irish presidential election

Left-wing independent candidate Catherine Connolly has been declared the winner of the Irish presidential election after her only rival - the representative of the centrist Fine Gael party Heather Humphreys - conceded defeat, AFP reported, quoted by BNR.

"Catherine will be the president of all Irish people. She will also be my president," Humphreys told Irish public television.

Connolly was also congratulated by Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, who is also a member of "Fine Gael" – party, a pillar of the country's ruling coalition, BTA adds.

"I wish her all the best", Harris added.