Áras poll is welcome

PRESIDENT Higgins’s ill-considered statement that he will decide whether or not to seek a second term next September, only a month in advance of our presidential election, seems to have galvanised Fianna Fáil, which interpreted it as a show of entitlement. The party has now decided to field a candidate, rather than simply endorsing the incumbent once again.

We welcome the news. All the polls have Mr Higgins leading and there is no denying that he has done a decent job – but democracy must be seen to be done.

It is not right for any one person to serve 14 years without the endorsement of the people – not just of the politicians.