The President has suggested the government could improve public services, if it increased borrowing.

In two newspaper interviews, the President criticises the effect of EU spending rules, and the European Central Bank.

In an interview with the Irish Independent, President Michael D Higgins is critical of EU fiscal rules, which limit the amount governments can borrow.

At a time of historically low interest rates, he is suggesting the government could borrow "cheap money" to invest in health, housing and education.

The President also said at a time when the country faces a housing crisis, there is a "huge ethical question" about the activities of Vulture Funds in the property market.

In a second interview with the Irish Times, the President expressed concerns about the future of the European Union.

He said the EU was "ditching some of its better achievements" in the area of promoting social cohesion.

In both interviews, the President is refusing to be drawn on whether he wants to stay on for a second term at Áras an Uachtaráinn.