Michael D. Higgins, the outgoing President of Ireland, has concluded a notable tenure marked by significant contributions to the nation. As voters prepare to elect their 10th president, Higgins steps away after more than 30 years in national politics, having served in both the Dáil (the lower house of the Irish parliament) and the Senate (the upper house of the Irish parliament).
Throughout his career, Higgins has been an outspoken advocate for social and human rights, both domestically and internationally. His role as the first Minister for Arts, Culture, and the Gaeltacht revitalized Ireland’s arts sector, including the establishment of the Irish language TV channel, Teilifís na Gaeilge, now known as TG4. The Gaeltacht regions, where Irish has been the primary language, have particularly benefitted from his initiatives aimed at promoting the language and culture.
In recent years, Higgins has engaged deeply with various pressing national issues, such as the housing crisis in Ireland and the situation in Gaza, sparking debates on the extent of the presidential role in such matters. His position allowed him to bring critical conversations to the forefront of national discourse.
Higgins’ presidency has also been marked by his personal touch, often seen accompanied by his pet Bernese Mountain dogs during official engagements at Áras an Uachtaráin, the presidential residence.
As he prepares to leave office at midnight on November 10, the transition to a new president is anticipated to be smooth, with the successor expected to be inaugurated shortly thereafter. Higgins’ legacy will likely continue to influence future leaders, emphasizing the importance of cultural advocacy and social responsibility in governance.