WORLD IN BRIEF : IRELAND : Woman Closes In on Presidency
A lawyer who favors liberalizing strict birth control and abortion laws appeared headed for election as Ireland’s first woman president, according to partial and unofficial returns. Mary Robinson, 46, trailed former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Lenihan in the preliminary count, but polls indicated that a second round today will put her over the top. “It looks like President Robinson now,” said Justice Minister Ray Burke, who had supported Lenihan. Under the Irish system, voters mark a second preference. When these votes are counted, polls indicate, Robinson will emerge as the winner.
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