Higgins must show he has another seven years in him as president

Okay folks, it’s showtime! The late PJ Mara’s open invitation to electioneer and party would have nothing on President Michael D Higgins, writes Gerard Howlin.

His election campaign is well underway, and he is pulling the punters up into the Áras in their thousands.

I had the privilege of being there on Monday afternoon for a gala reception to honour the 80th anniversary of the inauguration of Douglas Hyde as the first president of Ireland. It was a honour to be included.