Michael D Higgins has said he “absolutely” has the energy to take on a second term as President of Ireland and that it will ultimately be for the electorate to decide if he does so.
Mr Higgins is on a visit to the US, during which he addressed the United Nations General Assembly on ways to end conflicts and said the world’s turbulent countries can learn something from Ireland’s successful peace process.
While speaking to reporters at the Irish Consulate in Manhattan on Friday, Mr Higgins gave a strong indication that he will seek re-election.
When asked if he had the energy for another seven years in Áras an Uachtaráin, he responded: “Absolutely.”
“Have I the energy, have I the capacity to do so? I believe yes. But of course ultimately that’s for the people to decide,” he said. “And that suits me too as a campaigner all my life.”
‘Fascinating’
The President (77) has indicated that he will make a definitive statement on whether he intends to seek a second term by July with a presidential election expected to be held in the autumn.
Asked about his his interest in remaining as President, Mr Higgins described his job as “fascinating”.
Speaking earlier in the week in New York, Mr Higgins said his decision not to declare his intention to contest an election was not standing in the way of any potential rivals.
“My decision will be my decision. I’m not standing in the way of anybody making a decision,” he said.
Immigrant community
He also said he had “never ran away from a contest in my life. Why should I?”
The President’s week-long visit to the US will conclude on Saturday when he meets representatives of the Irish immigrant community in New York.
He will cross the Hudson river to visit Rockland County GAA club before flying home with his wife, Sabina, on Saturday evening with Aer Lingus on what is the 60th anniversary of the airline’s first transatlantic service.
A number of politicians have already said they wish to contest a presidential election.
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell claims to have the support of the 20 members of the Oireachtas required to get on the ballot paper for a presidential election.
Intentions
As the incumbent, Mr Higgins can nominate himself for a second term.
Both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have declined to comment until Mr Higgins makes his intentions known.
Fine Gael Ministers Eoghan Murphy, Charlie Flanagan, Simon Harris and Richard Bruton this week told The Irish Times they would support a second term for Mr Higgins.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said her party will participate if there is a contest for the position.
