Go now, Mr. President: keep your promise

Michael D Higgins outside the Town Hall Theatre in August 2011 where he got a rousing send off by local artists, musicians, dancers and writers on his presidential campaign around the country. Looking on are his wife Sabina and members of the Regina Rogers School of Ballet.

placeholder image — Michael D Higgins outside the Town Hall Theatre in August 2011 where he got a rousing send off by local artists, musicians, dancers and writers on his presidential campaign around the country. Looking on are his wife Sabina and members of the Regina Rogers School of Ballet.

Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley

Is President Michael D Higgins running again? He’s keeping us all guessing but it’s probable and it is becoming increasingly likely that he will seek a second term, be it a coronation, or a contest.

However, it would be a mistake to do so – he’s not going to better this term in office and should bow out on a high, now, on his own terms.

The former Labour Party TD for Galway West has been an excellent figurehead since his inauguration as ninth President of Ireland back in November 2011.

If he left after seven years he’d be remembered as Ireland’s best president. Michael D should leave the masses gagging for more. And as a retired president he’d still have the gravitas to officiate at events, and when he speaks, we’ll listen.

Linger on for another seven years and something will trip him up; or they (media, political rivals, civil servants) will try to do him down. All political careers end in failure, after all.

Our first woman president, Mary Robinson, excelled in the position. However, her time in the Áras is remembered as much for her premature departure as it is for her breaking the glass ceiling to get in there.

MDH promised to be a one-term president. He’d be missed if he doesn’t do a second term. But it’s in the country’s interest – and in the interest of his own legacy – that he keeps his word. Go now, Mister President, while the going is good.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.