Why we need a presidential election

President Michael D Higgins is nearing the end of his seven-year term. He has proved to be a very successful president and is exceptionally popular with the voters. He has fulfilled the duties of the office with dignity, and represented the people of Ireland well.

But since last year, there has been uncertainty about his intentions. At the outset of the 2011 presidential election campaign, Higgins repeatedly pledged to stand for one term ...