Dana will be devastated.
President Michael D. Higgins plans to announce his intention to seek a second term as President of Ireland, according to The Irish Times.
Advisors to the President have reportedly told politicians who support his claims for a second term to be ready for a campaign this coming Autumn.
While the President’s spokesperson refused to confirm to the Times that he would be seeking another term, it is believed his announcement will be timed to take place between the referendum to repeal the eighth amendment to the Constitution and the quieter news cycle in August; President Higgins does not want speculation over his future to dominate the headline while the Dáil stands in recess.
It is not believed that President Higgins – who took office in 2011 and stated at the time that he would not seek a second term – will go unchallenged this November.
Independent senator Gerard Craughwell believes he has the support of the 20 Oireachtas members he needs to become a viable candidate.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has stated she believes there should be a Presidential election and that President Higgins should not go unopposed, but both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have remained non-committal on the matter.
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