MICHAEL D Higgins looks almost certain to become president for a second term, according to a new poll.
The poll indicates the president has 70 per cent support - 56 points ahead of his nearest rival.
The figures show Mr Higgins enjoys some of the strongest support for a president in the history of the state.
According to the latest Red C poll of 1,000 people, Mr Higgins has a commanding lead over his five opponents.
Independent candidate Sean Gallagher is on 14%, followed by Independent Senator Joan Freeman on six per cent.
Sinn Féin's Liadh Ní Riada is one point behind on five per cent. Her vote is expected to fall far short of that of the last Sinn Féin presidential candidate, the late Martin McGuinness, who came third in the race for the Áras in 2011.
Businessman Gavin Duffy stands at four per cent, while fellow former Dragons' Den investor, Derry entrepreneur Peter Casey, is on one per cent.
Bookmakers Paddy Power commissioned the poll.
In the last presidential election in 2011, Mr Higgins won with around 40 per cent of first preference votes, compared to Mr Gallagher on 28.5 per cent and Mr McGuinness, on 13.7 per cent.
