The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has already congratulated President Higgins ahead of the final result of the presidential election.
Although the count is currently ongoing, President Higgins is odds on to secure a second term according to exit polls.
In a tweet this afternoon Mr Varadkar said the following “Congratulations Michael D Higgins, Really happy that you will continue to be our president for the next seven years.
The Taoiseach comments come as President Higgins looks well set to win the election over his nearest competitor Peter Casey.
Congratulations @MichaelDHiggins. Really happy that you will continue to be our President for the next 7 years
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 27, 2018