FF backs second term for Higgins in Áras

A SECOND term in Áras an Uachtaráin for President Michael D Higgins is a step closer after Fianna Fáil decided to support him – and ruled out fielding a candidate even if there is a contest.

The move opens the door for the President to announce that he will break his campaign vow in 2011 only to serve one term.

The Taoiseach also wants President Higgins to serve another term, but Fine Gael has yet to indicate whether it will provide a candidate if an election is forced.

Party leader Micheál Martin said after a meeting at Leinster House last night: ‘I spoke with the Fianna Fáil frontbench and Parliamentary Party and confirm our view that Fianna Fáil will not field a candidate to challenge President Higgins and will be supporting his candidacy in the event of him seeking a second term in Áras an Uachtaráin.’

Mr Martin added: ‘President Higgins has served the country with great distinction over the course of his first term both at home and around the world.

‘His national leadership during our celebration of the centenary of the Easter Rising set the absolutely correct tone, and as we approach a series of centenaries of potentially more divisive events in our shared history, his experience and leadership will serve the country well.’

The President is due to make his intentions known early next month, with Government ministers expecting him to put his name forward again.