Michael D Higgins has said that his vast political experience, his track record in human rights and the arts, and his vision for creating a new sense of ‘Irishness’ make him the best equipped candidate for Aras an Uachtaráin.
Mr Higgins formally launched his presidential campaign in Dublin this morning, vowing to dedicate his service as President to the welfare of all the people.
At the launch at the Royal College of Physicians this afternoon, Labour Party leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore described Mr Higgins as “not only a true Irishman but also a citizen of the world".
He said his contribution to “progressive politics, human rights and international justice is immense”.
In his own speech, Mr Higgins said he would strive for inclusive citizenship, a creative society, Irish to be proud of, as well as building what he said was a “real republic”.
“There is a huge response in this country for a decision on the kind of people we want to be, the Irishness we want to create, an Irishness that people speak of in those places where they are still struggling for freedom,” he said.
Mr Higgins said he had a sense of sadness when he retired from public life in February after 34 years of service. “In the next seven years [being President] is the best public service that I can give. I know life in the city and life in rural Ireland and emigration.
“I am an advocate for those who are vulnerable. It is a sign of political sophistication when you give the same centrality to vulnerability of your people as you do to their success,” he said.
Mr Higgins said his ministerial experience during the 1990s would lend itself to the Constitutional role of the position. He said that 40 Bills had been considered by the office of the President last year and as a former member of Cabinet, he knew the legislative process.
He said that with the deadline reached, there was clarity on the number of candidates and the nature of the campaign.
“What does the candidate bring to the office by way of experience and commitment? What vision? How will candidates further the role by the use of the discretionary space of picking themes and picking audiences and occasions?” he askd.
He said Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese had done excellent jobs in these last areas, both at home and abroad.
Mr Higgins said he would try to build a new sense of Irishness. “There is a deep hurt in this country and also the great potential of this country," he said. “I will dedicate my service to all the people of Ireland. I will dedicate my presidency to the welfare of all.”
He repeated the sentiments in Irish: “Mo lán-dhícheall a dhéanamh ar son leas agus fónamh mhuintir na hEireann.”