Live minute-by-minute coverage of Ireland's presidential election results
Michael Daniel Higgins, known universally as Michael D., who looks certain to become Ireland’s next president, is 70 years old and a native of Limerick. When he was just five years old his father’s alcoholism forced his family to move him to a relative’s farm in Clare where he was brought up.
He was educated in Clare at St.Flannan’s College and then went to University College Galway.
He became well known as a political figure there, and stayed on to become a lecturer at the college.
In 1969 and 1973 he ran unsuccessfully for the Labor Party. for the Irish parliament
In 1973 he was appointed to the Irish senate by upper house of the parliament by the then Prime Minister Liam Cosgrave.
He was elected to the Irish parliament in 1981.and also served as Mayor of Galway for two terms.
In 1993 he became Minister for the Arts and his major achievement was scrapping the controversial Section 31 which banned Sinn Fein from the airwaves.
He also revitalized the Irish Film Board and and created TG4, the all Irish television station.
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Live minute-by-minute coverage of Ireland's presidential election results
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He was a noted critic of American foreign policy in the Reagan era as well as during the Bush administration.
As well as having a successful political career Higgins has also had a career as a poet, author and broadcaster.
He wrote and presented a television film on Montserrat, entitled "The Other Emerald Isle" for Channel 4 and his documentary on the life of Noel Browne, for RTÉ, has also been screened.
Higgins has had poems published in a number of periodicals, as well as publishing three collections of his poetry, including, The Betrayal (1990), his second book of poems The Season of Fire and his latest book An Arid Season.
Higgins' eclectic mix of interests also extend to sport, he is a regular at the Galway Races each summer and is the president and director of Galway United Football Club, who play in the League of Ireland.
He is the subject of the song "Michael D. Rocking in the Dáil" by popular band The Saw Doctors.
The song first appeared as a B-side on the 1994 single "Small Bit of Love" and is also on the 2002 compilation Play It Again, Sham!.
Live minute-by-minute coverage of Ireland's presidential election results
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Newrone | Oct 30, 2011, 09:17 PM EDT
I didn't know much about him, but thanks to all the idiotic ridicule & vitriol I've learned a lot about him.
And I'm really impressed!
I wish him a lot of success in bringing his principles, policies & arguments to the table wherever he goes.
cillowen | Oct 28, 2011, 11:27 PM EDT
it says much for the eireanacts voting for this MICK on a BOX chap - who otherwise he won't be seen.
Rebelforce | Oct 28, 2011, 09:57 PM EDT
I suppose it's entirely appropriate that Ireland's representative to the world for the next few years will will be just like it's economy..... small, teetering, wrinkled, old and tired.
barneyjo | Oct 28, 2011, 08:32 PM EDT
Aww - warrenpoint100, Martin McGuinness was gracious in defeat, so why should you spoil the mood by attacking the President - elect and his demeanour?? :)
warrenpoint00 | Oct 28, 2011, 06:20 PM EDT
'Elf,ish' was how one European tabloid described him. He does look a little bit like that crazy little leprachaun that appeared in all those horror movies.
kscorletta | Oct 28, 2011, 04:56 PM EDT
I think we should start giving that set of questions that was reprinted on Irish Central to American candidates----especially interestin that Michael Higgins was one of the only ones who knew about the price of a stamp!Common knowledge of a few things like geography and everyday prices seems to be pretty absent from many politicians core "curriculum". Good for you, President Higgins
occassio | Oct 28, 2011, 04:32 PM EDT
I've been listening to commentaries on Aras candidates and concomitant issues on Newstalk 106-108 and several political pundits must today be breathing a sign of relief! 39.6% First Preference Share! Well done! I've been watching the presidential debates and must say, Mr. Higgins, that you've been a standout throughout. I do hope that like my president, Barack Obama, you will not find that you have bitten off more than you can reasonably chew and be pilloried unjustly in the end. You seem to be a man of reason and I look forward to your presidency.
dermotfastnet | Oct 28, 2011, 01:22 PM EDT
Well done Michael you were the only candidate worthy of the office of President. Comhghairdeachas
oldboreen | Oct 28, 2011, 01:04 PM EDT
What's 'cillowen' on? Can someone send me some?
irishcoffeekid | Oct 28, 2011, 12:25 PM EDT
I think the right man got it in the end. All the others had so much BS and controversy associated with them and their true focus wasnt in it. I think Michael D will do justice to the post as the two Mary's did - He may not be "perfect" but he beats most of our politicians in looking professional and well put together when he attends events (not pulled through a ditch like Bertie and that other Offaly lamp did) and he will speak well in public. He also has interests beyond politics and culturally is strong. I think Ireland got the best out of a crappy bunch!!!
newnation | Oct 28, 2011, 12:14 PM EDT
Well done Michael D, perfect for the job all the right credentials! who is this cillowen by the way, everyday some right wing bullshit, go die in some god forsaken corner please, extremely sick of your kind!!!!
newnation | Oct 28, 2011, 12:11 PM EDT
He will make a great president all the right credentials! who is this cillowen fool by the way everyday some right wing bullshit from him, go die in a corner somewhere.
Towngate | Oct 28, 2011, 11:30 AM EDT
Well done, Michael D., me old Segotia, you 'bested' them all in the end of it! You would have done it anyway, even without the dirty 'thricks' during the Frontline TV debate when Gallagher was shanghaied by 'Rat' Kenny and 'Pyrrhus McGinnhus'!!!! Yes, indeed, as remarked by this poster some time ago, the old Irish adage rang true: "The (sguabbling) pup(s) for the boreen ~ but the Old Dog for the Hard Road." Health and Long Life to you Michael. Good man yourself!
mcdolan | Oct 28, 2011, 10:38 AM EDT
Well, as much as I respect his contributions to the Irish state, I didn't vote for him but I can live with him as President with no complaints. Perhaps his artistic background will permit him to continue the ground-breaking initiatives carried on by the two Marys. Best of luck to you, Michael D!
ballindaggin | Oct 28, 2011, 10:35 AM EDT
Well done Michael D.Don't forget to thank Martin McGuinness for flooring Gallagher.
cillowen | Oct 28, 2011, 10:07 AM EDT
The MICK on a BOX image for the headless poodle looker of an Erin.
muirisobric | Oct 28, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT
I called it months ago. Thank God they had enough sense not to elect those associated with murder, mayhem, financial shenagins, sham rogues, & pedophilistic episodes. Michael won't do anything & nothing is expected of him & that'll suit the political bosses & "leaders"? just fine.