Published Sunday, 30 October 2011
The 70-year-old Labour candidate has been officially announced as the country's ninth president, after he polled a total of 1,007,104 votes in the fourth count.
Former favourite Sean Gallagher and Sinn Féin candidate Martin McGuinness finished second and third respectively.
Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina were welcomed home at a special open air event in Eyre Square in the city of Galway, which young and old braved the weather to attend.
An address was given by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, and Mr Higgins told the massive street party:
"I think the important thing now is for us to have a celebration and then with determination move in to our common shared different future."
It came after the president-elect hosted a reception at the Mansion House in Dublin on Saturday evening for his campaign team, who he praised for their efforts during the election race.
Speaking after his confirmation, Mr Higgins said he will continue the work of his predecessor Mary McAleese in building bridges between protestants and catholics.
"I love our shared island, our shared Ireland and its core decency," he told the press in Dublin.
"Now we must respond collectively and co-operatively for what we all must recognise as our shared problems - be it unemployment, mortgage distress or any form of exclusion.
"The necessary transformation of which I speak and of which my presidency will be a part is built on turning creative possibilities into living realities for all our people."
Political leaders from Northern Ireland have congratulated the new president.
First Minister Peter Robinson wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to Michael D Higgins on his convincing victory. I wish him every success throughout his term as the Republic's President."
Mr McGuinness, who is now expected to return to Stormont as Deputy First Minister, said: "He will make a fine president and I wish him well for his seven years in the Aras."
SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie said: "The SDLP looks forward to working with the new President on a range of issues, not least the continued campaign to have all eligible people on this island the right to vote in all elections."
Ulster Unionist leader Tom Elliott said: "I am confident that he will build on the legacy left by his predecessor, and continue the work of building bridges and helping to create better understanding based on mutual respect."
Alliance party leader and Justice Minister David Ford said: "I look forward to close co-operation with him and I believe it is very important that strong North-South links exist."
Meanwhile the Orange Order in the Republic of Ireland has also sent its congratulations.
"As Orangemen, we would like to congratulate Michael D Higgins on his election to the Office of President," a statement said.
"He will be responsible for representing all the people of the Republic of Ireland at home and abroad, not just the majority community. The Protestant community is a significant minority within the State and deserves representation at the highest level.
"We also hope that he will continue the good work of peace and reconciliation across these islands and further develop our special relationship with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."