Sir, – Some people are advocating that if Michael D Higgins puts himself forward for a second term then he should be opposed.
Four of our nine presidents have put themselves forward for a second term and only one of that four was opposed.
The three unopposed were Seán T Ó Ceallaigh in 1952, Patrick Hillery in 1983 and Mary McAleese in 2004.
The only person who was opposed was Éamon de Valera in 1966, and he barely got through on that occasion to serve a second term. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN COLLINS,
Tralee,
Co Kerry.
Sir,– While I wish Michael D Higgins every success in his future, I respectfully suggest that he has a hard look at his beloved Labour Party, and what happened to it at the last general election as a result of broken promises. – Yours, etc,
OLIVER DUFFY,
Bishopstown,
Cork.
Sir, – He is a magnificent oarsman, doing the Irish people proud. He is the age he is and he made a promise. Michael, it’s time to row the boat ashore! – Yours, etc,
OLIVER McGRANE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.