After weeks of speculation, the current President of Ireland has announced he will be run for a second term.
RTÉ confirmed the news this morning that Higgins, who has been President of Ireland since 2011, will seek a second term.
Michael D Higgins has confirmed that he will seek a second term as president
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 10, 2018
The President will run as an independent candidate and has already informed the Government of his decision. A statement issued today says:
President Michael D. Higgins wishes to confirm that he will be offering himself as an independent candidate, under Article 12.4.4 of Bunreacht Na hÉireann, when the Ministerial Order for a Presidential Election is made later in the year.
It is unconfirmed whether or not the President will face competition. A number of figures, including Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and TD Michael Fitzmaurice, have questioned Higgins desire to seek a second term as he originally stated he would only seek one term as President. Others are concerned that a second term would go unchallenged as recent polls indicate that Irish people are 75% in favor of Higgins remaining as President.
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Already citizens of Ireland are celebrating the news that we may have 'Miggeldy' as our President for another seven years:
— Philip Magee (@philipmagee) July 10, 2018
He has been a great president and has done so much for Ireland and its people! There will always be begrudgers, let them at it!
If someone if fit to beat him at the polls well let them put up the challenge!
Delighted to see him going for 2nd term ????????— Jules (@Borderfoxy) July 10, 2018
I see no issue with this at all given the symbolic nature of the role.
— Steve ???️???? (@GeddyMercury) July 10, 2018
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One of the few Politicians I respected. A great man. A great person to represent the country.
— jack Lord oatkon (@Bookhimdannom1) July 10, 2018
The President will continue his duties until the next election later this year.
