After an at times bruising campaign, the five defeated candidates were united in congratulating returning president Michael D Higgins.
All were fulsome in praise for Mr Higgins, and his wife Sabina, as they took to the stage in Dublin Castle after the president’s impassioned victory speech.
Second placed Peter Casey said: “I’d like to congratulate President Higgins and wish Sabina a wonderful seven years.
“I’m sure the sentiments you described so wonderfully there, I’m sure they are shared by everyone here – wishing you all the very, very best.”
“It’s been a real experience the past six weeks or so,” he said.
Gavin Duffy joked that he was glad that times allotted for speeches were not in proportion to the number of votes gained.
“Otherwise I would be departing straight away from the podium,” he said.
Mr Duffy said he did not regret standing.
“Was I disappointed? Yes. Did I have regrets? No,” he said.
He said there are “huge changes” facing workplaces in Ireland and around the world.
“I think it’s important we address those as a united society rather than allowing division,” he said.
She added: “The people who voted for me – thank-you for that.”
Ms Freeman also praised her fellow candidates.
“It’s not easy to have yourself scrutinised, criticised and sometimes brutalised – but you all showed great courage,” she said.
The defeated candidate said she had hopes to share a glass of wine with the five others who contested the election.
In the longest speech of any of the beaten candidates, Sean Gallagher expressed pride in the campaign he and his team had run.
He said he wants an Ireland where “opportunity” wins out over “cynicism”.
“New ideas are driven by brave people willing to step into the arena rather than commentate from the side lines,” he said.
Liadh Ni Riada said it was important the election was held, rather than allowing Mr Higgins to return to office unchallenged.
“The people of Ireland spoke today and spoke with a resounding yes to put Michael D Higgins back in office,” she said, congratulating the president.
The MEP said she “looked forward to the conversation about a united Ireland being firmly on the agenda” in the coming seven years.
“They must have a vote next time round,” she said, to loud cheers from her supporters.
