If it ain’t broke... keep Michael D in the Áras
NEXT month marks the sixth anniversary of Michael D. Higgins being elected President. During an extraordinary campaign, he fought back from a position of underdog to carry off one of the most remarkable victories in our electoral history.
Since then, he hasn’t put a foot wrong. It is beyond question that he has brought a new relevancy to the role, while respecting the tradition of remaining above politics.
From the off, President Higgins managed to form a close rapport with other heads of state across the world. He will, of course, be remembered as the first Irish President to pay a State visit to the UK, when he was hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle.
Of the nine people who have served in the role, there is a strong case to be made that he is the most popular office-holder to date. The findings of an opinion poll published in today’s Mail certainly support that viewpoint. According to the research, 76% of people would be happy to see him remain in the Áras for a second term.
Such a result is all the more surprising when it is considered that Labour, the party he represented for decades as a minister, TD and senator, is struggling for survival. Its percentage share of public support is in the single figures.
There are many reasons why the level of enthusiasm for him is so high. Many observers have remarked on the way in which he not only wears his Irishness as a badge of pride, but manages to do so with a dignity that few public figures can match. His other noteworthy traits include a formidable intellect and poetic turn of phrase. And while he is a regular attendee at international fixtures, he has long been admired in sporting circles for his devotion to League of Ireland games.
Since shortly after his inauguration at Dublin Castle, it has been clear that President Higgins is perfectly suited to the role. The results of our poll only confirm what was obvious all along. It remains unclear whether there will be a presidential election next year. But our findings suggest that if there is, it will be a one-horse race. Against that backdrop, an old adage seems apt: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.