The device is the first major product launch for Apple since the latest iPhone went on sale in October, and the company needs very strong sales for each new device it sells to meet Wall Street's lofty expectations.
Itwent on to pay tribute to politicians and church leaders, including Cardinal Sean Brady for his "strong and moving plea to the congregation and wider community".
That marks a drop from 2007, when 84% of the nation's voters went to the polls, though key players from both Hollande and Sarkozy's camps described it as a "strong turnout" indicative of citizens' high interest in the race.