Having previously stated that he would not run for a second term as President, it looks as though Michael D Higgins may have changed his mind.

But would this be a good idea?

Irish Examiner columnist Alison O'Connor says that Michael D Higgins has been "a very good President" who has never been an embarrassment to the country, but she thinks it might be time for him to step down.

"If he goes for a second term, he would be in his mid-eighties by the time it's finished."

"I'm a massive admirer of him and he's had a fabulous career, but the problem in politics is knowing when to step down."

Senator Gerard Craughwell intends to run for the Presidency and is confident that he will not only get a nomination, but it will be "quite a robust contest."

However, he also says that the political system doesn't want a Presidential election.

"They have the Repeal coming up, they have local and European elections next year, and there's a likelihood that they will have a general election this year or early next year. When we place the different elections on a scale, the Presidential one is of least importance to the political system."