Michael D declares - A second Áras term beckons

It is not surprising that President Michael D Higgins is to seek a second term. His first comes to an end on November 10 and if there is to be an election to it must be held no more than 60 days after that date.

Mr Higgins may be returned to office without an election as none of the major parties want to run a candidate — Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil support Mr Higgins — though Sinn Féin has hinted they might offer one or possibly support an Independent candidate.