Fine Gael privately accept ‘it’s all over’ bar the counting – as ballot boxes opened in presidential election

‘We have sought to building a united Left front, a common left platform’ – Ivana Bacik

Ivana Bacik speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1 said this is not an election on any one party on the left. 

“I tallied one box myself in my own constituency. I tallied 68pc of the votes for Catherine number one, spoiled votes with the next proportionally away behind a 25 out of 65,” she said.

“We have sought to building a united Left front, a common left platform.

“I’m still very keen to continue doing that. 

“Indeed, back in January, I first reached out to the leaders of the Social Democrats and the Green Party seeking to build that common left front behind a presidential campaign. 

“I think Catherine does represent that alternative vision for Ireland in a new kind of politics.

“We will build on the energy in the movement that Catherine has generated.”

Sarah O’Mahony