Guernsey Press

Ireland’s President calls for dignity on campaign trail ahead of election

Michael D Higgins, speaking at the national ploughing competition, said he was looking forward to the contest.

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President Michael D Higgins has said he wants the presidential election campaign to address “real issues” and be “dignified”.

Mr Higgins, who formally opened the first day of the national ploughing championships in Co Offaly, said he was very much looking forward to the campaign.

“Let it be about real issues and let it be dignified,” the president said.

Dublin city stock
Aras an Uachtarain, the home of the Irish President (Niall Carson/PA)

“I’ve never run away from a campaign in my life,” he said.

“I’ve answered questions, I think, for about 30 or 40 years in relation to campaigns and I’m looking forward to it.”

Dragons’ Den stars Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy, as well as Pieta House founder and senator Joan Freeman, all of whom have entered the race for Aras an Uachtarain, were pitching for votes at the championships near Tullamore.

Irish 2018 National Ploughing Championship
Irish Presidential candidate Sean Gallagher with his wife Trish listen to President Michael D Higgins’s speech during the opening of the Irish 2018 National Ploughing Championship (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Higgins pipped him to the post in 2011.

Irish 2018 National Ploughing Championship
Irish Presidential candidate Gavin Duffy (Liam McBurney/PA)

The businessman said Mr Higgins had wished him well and Mr Gallagher said he had congratulated him for the last seven years of his contribution to the Irish people.

Irish 2018 National Ploughing Championship
Irish Presidential candidate Joan Freeman during the Irish 2018 National Ploughing Championship i(Liam McBurney/PA)

“I’m not seeking the role of president to do with the salary,” he said.

“I’m concerned about the job itself and how I can use my skills and experience at this juncture in our history to help be of service to the Irish people.”

Mr Duffy said he had received a warm welcome from farmers as he arrived and it had taken him more than one hour to get 300 metres due to crowds greeting him.

He said rural development was needed to keep people in communities in particular in communities along the western seaboard.

“I’m somebody who understands those issues and I feel I’ve something to contribute to the national conversation,” Mr Duffy said.

Sinn Fein candidate Liadh Ni Riada is expected to canvas for votes at the event on Wednesday.

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