Michael D Higgins is hoping to secure a second term as president. He joined us on The Last Word ahead of the election to explain why.
President Higgins came from humble beginnings in Limerick, and life in the Áras has undoubtedly been very different. Despite this, he doesn't think the presidency has changed him very much: "It's a privilege to be in the position I'm in, but I haven't had much time to think about it."
Responding to the issue of the president's salary, he says he is "not in it to make money — I don't draw my Dáil pension or my Senate pension."
"I'm happy to accept whatever salary the government of the day decides."
He admits that being the incumbent president and a presidential candidate at the same time places certain constraints on him. He was unable to take part in last night's television debate as he was reading the alcohol bill.
He has praised those who are helping to run his campaign, particularly young people, whom he says are "making the change and shaping the campaign."
President Higgins describes himself as "a passionate person who believes in values", and says he brings his previous political experience to the presidency.
But overall, he believes a president should bring their experience of life to the role, and says his last seven years have been "a presidency of ideas."
If he wins a second term, President Higgins says he would "always put the public interest first."
To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen
