REACTION TO THE DECLARATION

■ Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin: “I think he has been a strong President. He has been engaged and represented the country abroad with distinction... I believe he deserves re-election.”

■ Senator and presidential hopeful Gerard Craughwell on the timing of Mr Higgins’s announcement: “I’m extremely angry... he has done exactly what he criticised Mary McAleese for in 2004. He waited until the 12th hour.”

■ Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald – whose party is considering running a candidate: “It is my own view that now is a time when we need a large national conversation about Ireland... The last election was seven years ago. Lots has changed since that time.”

■ Labour leader Brendan Howlin: “He’s been an exemplary President... I think there are few elements of Irish society that hasn’t been proud of his performances at home and abroad”.

■ Ex-Presidential candidate Seán Gallagher, who has contacted local authorities to encourage them to facilitate candidates seeking nominations: “It is vital for everyone in public life to facilitate the process by which more candidates are encouraged to come forward to more fully reflect the diverse and changing Ireland.”