On November 10th next, my term of office as the eighth President of Ireland will end. These past seven years have been personally deeply fulfilling and, after consultation with my family, I have decided to seek election for a second term. The Constitution allows me to nominate myself and that is what I intend to do.
I have written this morning to the Government, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, the Chief Justice, the Cathaoirligh of the County Councils and to the leaders of the political parties and groupings, informing them of my decision.
It is my desire and ambition to serve my country and serve it well for a further term as President. I hope that my record of service as President will encourage a wide spectrum of support for my independent candidacy.
I will continue to carry out my duties as President until the closing date for nominations is reached on October 1st next. Thereafter, I will have a dual role as President and as presidential candidate and I will conduct the election campaign with due and proper regard to my on-going position as President.
I remain ever grateful to all of those who trusted me with the role of President. From this position I have met the Ireland of the doers, the carers, the hopers, the problem solvers. I have been given a unique insight into all that is good and decent in our society and nothing would give me greater pleasure than the opportunity to continue working with those who believe the best, the most inclusive Ireland is yet to come.
Ba mhór an onóir dom a bheith im' ochtú hUachtarán na hÉireann. Mo bhuíochas ó chroí leo siúd uilig a casadh orm agus a léirigh an oiread sin measa agus ceana orm féin agus ar mo theaghlach le linn mo thréimse seacht mbliana.