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The activist in the Áras: How Michael D Higgins shaped the presidency

What some criticise as an outspokenness overstepping the bounds of his office, others see as the outgoing President’s knack of speaking to ‘the beating heart’ of Irish public opinion

President Michael D Higgins, who is approaching the end of his second term at the age of 84. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty
President Michael D Higgins, who is approaching the end of his second term at the age of 84. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty
Naomi O’Leary's picture
Naomi O’Leary
Sat Oct 11 2025 - 06:00
Michael D HigginsPresidential electionLabour PartySabina HigginsGovernment