A senior Fine Gael minister says Michael D Higgins would have "broad cross-party support" if he wants a second term as President.

But Leo Varadkar says it's too early to say whether another candidate might emerge to seek the role.

President Higgins previously said he would only serve one term, but has more recently refused to say whether he would seek another seven years.

Leo Varadkar says he would have wide support if he seeks it: