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Micheal Martin says Fianna Fáil support for Michael D Higgins as President extends to councillors

Michael Martin explained the reasoning behind the party’s endorsement of a second term for Michael D Higgins as president.

FIANNA FÁIL LEADER Micheál Martin has elaborated on the reasons why his party chose to back Michael D Higgins for a second term as President of Ireland.

Last night, Martin confirmed that the party would support his candidacy should  Higgins decide to seek a second term in office.

If a person is doing a good job I find no compelling reason as a leader of a political party why we should oppose him – rather we should support him and endorse him.

Martin added that support for Michael D would go from the “top to bottom” of the party and apply to Fianna Fáil councillors.

Higgins has said that he will announce whether he will run for a second term in office in July. The Irish Times reported on Saturday that President Higgins informed senior government figures of his intention to seek a second term in office.

Higgins can nominate himself for re-election; challengers need the backing of either 20 TDs or senators, or four councils to contest the race.

Speaking on Today with Sean O’Rourke Today, Martin said:

“In the first instance, Michael D Higgins has performed of great distinction as President, both abroad and here, and many of the national issues here his speeches struck a chord.

His finger is on the pulse, he understands the mood and where the country is at, he’s reached out to young people in particular and has achieved their enthusiastic engagement, which I think is important.

Martin praised Higgins’ approach to the 1916 centenary and said that as we move towards the centenary of the War of Independence and Civil War, that his intellect and his background meant that he would be “very well placed” to commemorate those events during “a challenging period for us all”.

He captured the mood and captured how we should commemorate events like that.

Speaking at an event this afternoon, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar commented on Fianna Fáil’s stance:

[Michael D Higgins has] done a fabulous job as president, he’s represented us so well internationally, and I think he has enormous support from the Irish people.

“But the right thing to do in my view is to wait until he makes a decision.”

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    Mute 9QRixo8H
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    May 14th 2024, 6:52 PM

    Evict FFG. Or nothing will change. We need a radical new direction away from rightwing capitalist landlordism that no one can afford.

    We don’t need tenants paying for a landlord’s multiple mortgages and lifestyle.

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    Mute Tom
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    May 14th 2024, 8:02 PM

    Rent pressure zone cap is been blatantly ignored,
    And blatantly uninforced.
    Just ask Daft.ie for statics.

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    Mute Joe McNamara
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    May 14th 2024, 6:56 PM

    Maybe it is too late to sort out housing in Ireland?

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    Mute Steve O'Hara-Smith
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    May 14th 2024, 8:44 PM

    @Joe McNamara: It’s never too late. The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago, the second best is NOW

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    Mute damien leen
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    May 14th 2024, 8:58 PM

    @Joe McNamara: the housing…the health care system…the energy prices..the price of a 2nd hand car…it’s over man ..they don’t care… we’ve lost! The rich stay rich…the poor stay poor and now the middle class are been marginalised into poverty!

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    Mute Hector turtlehead
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    May 14th 2024, 8:50 PM

    Whoever votes for Aontu is a backwards no teeth Trump supporter

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    Mute Padraig O'Brien
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    May 14th 2024, 7:24 PM

    Goody. I mean they are working so well.

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    Mute Chutes
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    May 14th 2024, 11:57 PM

    Ireland is a rent pressure zone, asset owners have the wealth!

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    Mute Seriously Really
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    May 14th 2024, 10:22 PM

    Ireland has so much to offer…. However, years of squandered opportunities, selfishness and continued ignorance and stupidity has nurtured a sub-society of people unwilling to work and dependent on the state. How can we change this?

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    Mute Alan Kennedy
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    May 14th 2024, 10:32 PM

    Workers Party

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