Get in poll position for Aras battle

MICHAEL D Higgins is expected to be convincingly re-elected as Uachtaran na heireann after today’s vote but previous polls have shown nothing is certain.

The six candidates are very different and while most people seem satisfied with Mr Higgins, the Government jet controversy has been a setback.

Polls suggest the 77-year-old is likely to get 60% of first-preference votes and his ability to represent Ireland on the world stage has been impressive.

But it cannot be forgotten he initially vowed he would only be a one-term president and if he seals victory he will be 84 when his second term ends.

There has been a lot of criticism of that fact from rivals Sean Gallagher, Peter Casey, Gavin Duffy, Liadh Ni Riada and Joan Freeman.

But it was disappointing none of them conjured up the same momentum Mr Gallagher did in 2011.

The Irish presidency is largely a ceremonial role with little power but in terms of conveying the mood of the nation and setting the tone for upcoming national commemorations it is very important the right person represents us.

And during a time of instability brought about by Brexit and the homelessness crisis, the eloquence of our first citizen will take on even more relevance.

It’s an important decision that will define a big element of our country for the next seven years so everybody should be encouraged to use their vote.