Michael Daniel Higgins (Irish:Mícheál Dónal Ó hUigínn; born 18 April 1941) is an Irish politician, poet, broadcaster, andsociologist who has been serving as thepresident of Ireland since 2011. Entering national politics through theLabour Party, he served as asenator from 1973 to 1977 having beennominated by theTaoiseach. Elected in 1981 as aTeachta Dála (TD), he represented theGalway West constituency from 1981 to 1982 and 1987 to 2011.
Michael Daniel Higgins was born on 18 April 1941 inLimerick. His father, John Higgins, was from Ballycar,County Clare, and was a lieutenant with the Charleville Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Cork Brigade of theIrish Republican Army. John, along with his two brothers Peter and Michael, had been active participants in theIrish War of Independence.[2][3]
When John's father's health grew poor, with alcohol abuse as a contributing factor, John sent Michael, aged five, and his four-year-old brother to live on his unmarried uncle and aunt's farm nearNewmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare. His elder twin sisters remained in Limerick.[4] He was educated at Ballycar National School, County Clare andSt. Flannan's College,Ennis.[5]
In his academic career, Higgins was a statutory lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Sociology at UCG[8] and was a visiting professor atSouthern Illinois University.[9][10] He resigned his academic posts to concentrate fully on his political career.[11]
Higgins originally joinedFianna Fáil in UCG while amature student and was elected its branch chairman in 1966; he switched to the Labour Party shortly thereafter.[14] He was a Labour candidate in the1969 and1973 general elections but was unsuccessful on both occasions.[15] One of the people who canvassed for him was future leader of theLabour Party andTánaiste,Eamon Gilmore, who was then a UCG student. Higgins was appointed to the13th Seanad in 1973 byTaoiseachLiam Cosgrave.
Although placed in the Seanad by Fine Gael's Cosgrove, early in his career, Higgins quickly established a reputation as a "leftist firebrand" who opposed Labour going into coalition with Fine Gael.[16] Higgins, alongsideEmmet Stagg andJoe Higgins, were considered the main opponents of coalition within Labour following the departure ofNoel Browne over the issue in 1977.[17] During the 1980s Higgins involved himself in foreign affairs issues such asNicaragua,El Salvador, andCambodia.[16]
He also involved himself in issues such as equal pay for women and the rights of people with disabilities.[16]
Higgins was first elected toDáil Éireann at the1981 general election as a Labour PartyTD.[18] He was re-elected at theFebruary 1982 election; he lost his seat at theNovember 1982 election (blaming his loss in part on his opposition to theEighth Amendment),[19] but returned to the Seanad when he was elected by theNational University constituency. After returning to the Seanad in 1983, he helped found the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee and served as the Labour Party's spokesperson on foreign affairs. Speaking about Higgins' interest in foreign affairs, former Labour leaderFrank Cluskey once quipped: “When it comes to running the Labour Party or saving the world, Michael D always chooses the easy option.”[20]
In 1982 Higgins began writing a regular column forHot Press, something that would continue until 1992. The columns covered major issues of the time, including opposition to the Eighth Amendment, the campaign for divorce legalisation, critiques of US foreign policy, theEnniskillen bombing, and observations on Irish and international affairs. Higgins also tackled broader social issues like patriarchy and economic inequality, with a focus on marginalised communities.[21]
It was also in 1982 that Higgins becameMayor of Galway for the first time.[22]
In early 1982, Michael D. Higgins visitedEl Salvador to investigate reports of theEl Mozote massacre, where over 1,000 civilians were killed by government forces. Initially deported by the army, Higgins later gained access and, along withTrócaire, helped expose what had occurred. His efforts, including contacting major U.S. newspapers like theNew York Times and theWashington Post, sparked international outrage and congressional hearings in the US. Higgins faced criticism but persisted in highlighting human rights abuses, aiding in El Salvador's peace process by advocating recognition of theFMLN as a legitimate political force.[23]
In June 1984, Higgins protested against US PresidentRonald Reagan speaking at University College Galway. Higgins criticised the US government for supporting theContras in Nicaragua, opposing its stance toward the country's democratically elected left-wing government.[24]
In 1989, Higgins and Stagg voted against the expulsion of the "Militant Labour" faction within Labour (led by Joe Higgins) after the faction was accused of being entrist Trotskyites.[25] The measure passed and members of Militant Labour subsequently formed the TrotskyistSocialist Party.[26][27][28]
In 1991, Higgins became Mayor of Galway for a second time.[22]
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (1993 to 1997)
When the Fianna Fáil–Labour coalition came into office in 1993 under TaoiseachAlbert Reynolds, Higgins, who had long challenged every Labour leader and opposed coalition arrangements, was appointed Ireland's firstMinister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.[22] Although some accused him of compromising his principles, Higgins argued that Fianna Fáil, unlike Fine Gael, was a party rooted in "na gnáth-daoine" (the ordinary people). Higgins felt comfortable with Fianna Fáil's self-declared left-of-centre stance and theirrepublican ideals.[20]
During his period as minister, Higgins re-established theIrish Film Board and set up the Irish language television station, Teilifís na Gaeilge (later renamedTG4).[29] Higgins also repealedSection 31 of the Broadcasting Act, which had bannedSinn Féin from appearing on Irish media. This decision allowed Sinn Féin voices on air months before the Provisional IRA began a ceasefire in 1994, and it drew attention even in UK government circles. TánaisteDick Spring defended Higgins's decision, citing civil liberties concerns and pointing to Sinn Féin's low public support in the Republic. He also suggested that media exposure would subject Sinn Féin to greater scrutiny.[30]
Higgins's stint as minister also saw him initiate a network of local arts venues and community cultural centres across Ireland. In addition, his department spearheaded a major inland waterways restoration program. Under this policy, Ireland's canal network was extensively rehabilitated: over 1,000 km of waterways were made navigable, creating jobs and tourism revenue in rural areas.[22]
Post-Ministerial career (1997 to 2011)
Higgins was appointed to the Labour Party front bench in 2000. In 2003, Higgins succeededProinsias De Rossa in the symbolic position of the president of the Labour Party, while continuing as the party's spokesman on foreign affairs.[31]
In January 2003, Higgins was actively involved in efforts to prevent theIraq War. He met with Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister,Tariq Aziz, and proposed a peace plan to help avoid conflict. Higgins expressed deep concern about the devastating effects of war on Iraq's civilians, particularly women and children, citing the horrors of 1991'sGulf War. He warned against the destruction of essential infrastructure, which violated international laws. Higgins believed Ireland could play a role in peace efforts, but he accused the Irish government of lacking a clear position, which undermined the country's neutrality. He also condemned the aggressive U.S. foreign policy under figures likeDonald Rumsfeld and denounced the use of religious justification for war. While he opposed Saddam Hussein's regime, he stressed that war was not the solution and that a civil society in Iraq could only be achieved through non-violent means.[32] In February, Higgins was a prominent figure in the anti-Iraq War protests in Dublin, where around 100,000 people gathered to voice their opposition to the invasion of Iraq. The rally began at theGarden of Remembrance, with Higgins addressing the crowd. Higgins joined others in urging the Irish government not to allow Shannon Airport to be used by U.S. troops en route to the Gulf.[33]
In September 2004, as Labour Party spokesman on foreign affairs, Higgins was contacted by Paul Bigley, the brother of British hostageKenneth Bigley, who was being held in Iraq. Higgins reached out to Palestinian leaderYasser Arafat through his representatives in Dublin, and brought up Bigley's Irish heritage and Ireland's neutral stance on the Iraq war. Arafat instructed his officials to lobby Iraqi political factions for Bigley's release. Higgins also appeared onAl Jazeera to appeal to the captors and offered to travel to Iraq to assist in negotiations. Despite these efforts, Bigley was executed by his captors.[34][35][24]
Higgins indicated his interest in contesting the2004 presidential election for the Labour Party. The party decided on 16 September 2004 against running a candidate in the election, seeingMary McAleese as unbeatable.[24]
In August 2005, Higgins took part in a European fact-finding trip to Israel and Palestine, organised by United Civilians for Peace. The aim was to assess the situation after Israel pulled out of Gaza. Over a week, they visited Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Gaza. The group met with Israeli and Palestinian politicians, mayors from various towns, and representatives from NGOs and civil society groups, as well as diplomats from the countries involved in the delegation.[36]
In October 2010, he announced he would not be standing at the2011 general election.[37] He had until this point been living in a two-bed apartment at Grattan Hall on Mount Street, Dublin. He also has a family home inGalway.[38]
Higgins andIvana Bacik campaigning during the 2011 presidential race
In September 2010, Higgins indicated that he was interested in receiving the Labour Party's nomination for the2011 presidential election.[39] He said prior to and during the election campaign that he would serve only one seven-year term as president, and not seeking a second term of office if elected.[40][41]
He was selected as a candidate for the presidency at a convention in Dublin on 19 June 2011, beating former senatorKathleen O'Meara and former party adviserFergus Finlay.[42][43] His candidacy was endorsed by Hollywood actorMartin Sheen, who described Higgins as a "dear friend".[44] Higgins assisted his rivalDavid Norris by urging his party colleagues onDublin City Council "in the interests of democracy" not to obstruct Norris's attempts to get onto the ballot at the last moment, adding that the nomination criteria were "outdated".[45][46]
Higgins was confronted by former Tara mines workers while canvassing inCounty Meath. The workers were upset about their pensions being cut.[47] Higgins was also pursued by his past links to Fianna Fáil, and admitted on 13 October that he had been elected chairman of theUCG Fianna Fáil universitycumann in 1966.[48] He admitted that he had smokedmarijuana while at university in the United States.[48] However, media reports said he was "spared the intense grillingMiriam O'Callaghan meted out to some of the others" during thePrime Time debate.[49] Higgins promised he would be a neutral president if elected and not be a "handmaiden" to the government.[50] The Labour Party's budget for the campaign was within €320,000.[51]
On 29 October 2011, two days after the presidential election was held, Higgins was declared the winner with a total of 1,007,104 votes, far more than any Irish politician in the history of the republic.[52][53] Thousands of people lined the streets of Galway to welcome him home the following day.[54][55][56] International media coverage of his win reported his humble background, poetry and intellect,[57] withThe Washington Post noting "local satirists sometimes depict him as an elf, hobbit or leprechaun talking in riddles and verse".[58] He is the first president of Ireland to have served in bothHouses of the Oireachtas, having previously been a member ofDáil Éireann andSeanad Éireann.[59]
Before his inauguration, Higgins and his family met his predecessorMary McAleese and her husbandMartin for lunch atÁras an Uachtaráin on 3 November.[60] That night, he presented an award toNiall Tóibín, and received his own standing ovation as he entered theIrish Film Institute.[61] On 5 November, he attended an important football game, featuringGalway United versusMonaghan United in the second leg in the League of Ireland promotion/relegation play-off atTerryland Park, wrapped in the scarf of his favourite team, and being greeted by a large banner hanging from a stand declaring "Welcome home to Galway, Mr President".[62][63][64][65]
Higgins was inaugurated as president of Ireland atDublin Castle on 11 November 2011.[66] The ceremony had ahumanist element, alongside Christian, Jewish, and Muslim ones.[67] He receives an annual salary of €250,000,[68] having requested during his first term that theDepartment of Public Expenditure and Reform reduce his salary by 23.5% from €325,000.[69][70]
Higgins travelled toDerry to attend the final of the All-Ireland School Choir of the Year competition on 13 November 2011 for his first official presidential engagement in Northern Ireland.[71][72][73] In December 2011, he hosted a children's tea party at Áras an Uachtaráin.[74] He attended theBon Secours Hospital in Galway on 13 December for surgery on the kneecap that was broken in a fall during a visit toBuenaventura, Colombia in 2010.[75]
Higgins made his first official trip abroad when he went to London on 21 February 2012.[76] While there he was given a tour of theOlympic Stadium bySebastian Coe, and attended a production ofJuno and the Paycock at theLyttelton Theatre.[77][78] He made his first official visit to hisalma mater NUI Galway on 24 February, where he opened an autism centre.[79] On 21 March 2012, Higgins was announced as sole patron of theRTÉ National Symphony Orchestra.[80] Addressing a conference organised by youth organisation Foróige on 24 March 2012, Higgins describedhomophobia and racism in Ireland as a "blight on society".[81]
On 11 May 2012, he became the 28th Freeman of Galway.[82] In June 2012, nonprofit housing organisationHabitat for Humanity Ireland announced that Higgins would be their sole Patron.[83] In October 2012, Higgins and his wife Sabina went to South America for a two-week trip, visiting Argentina, Brazil and Chile.[84] Higgins rushed home from a visit toRome, Italy, to sign the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Bill 2013 into law at Áras an Uachtaráin early on 7 February 2013, on the urgent request of theGovernment of Ireland.[85] On 29 July 2013, he convened a meeting of theCouncil of State, the first of his presidency, to consult on theProtection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013.[86][87]
Special advisor to the president, Mary van Lieshout, who formed part of the management team in Áras an Uachtaráin underSecretary General Adrian O'Neill, resigned in November 2013. The departure raised criticism over presidential management of the team.[88] The presidential Christmas messages delivered by Higgins from 2011 to 2013 did not mention Christianity or religion, which was criticised by theDefence Forces'chaplain in a homily on Christmas Eve 2013.[89] TheChief of Staff expressed regret for any offence caused by the chaplain.[89]
In November 2016, Higgins received criticism from some sections of the Irish media for praisingFidel Castro, saying in a statement that he learned ofCastro's death with "great sadness".[93]
On 10 July 2018, Higgins announced that he would stand for a second term as president in the2018 Irish presidential election,[94] despite having previously stated during the campaign for his first term that he would not. Higgins won the 2018 presidential election with 56% of the vote on the first count (822,566).[95] His nearest rival,Peter Casey, finished on 23% (342,727).[96]On 11 November 2018, Higgins was inaugurated as president of Ireland in St. Patrick's Hall,Dublin Castle, in a ceremony attended byTaoiseachLeo Varadkar, and former presidentsMary Robinson andMary McAleese, as well as representatives of all political parties. The ceremony was held in the evening so that Higgins could attendArmistice Day commemorations in the morning.[97]
In July 2021, Higgins sent a letter to theOireachtas expressing concern that there had been a tendency in recent years for him to be sent a large volume of complex legislation to be signed quickly.[99]
Higgins meeting U.S. PresidentJoe Biden and ringing the Peace Bell, April 2023.
On 15 September 2021, Higgins declined an invitation to attend a church service with Britain's QueenElizabeth II in October to mark Northern Ireland's centenary.[100] Two days later on 17 September, Higgins defended his decision not to attend the service and decided it would be "inappropriate to attend".[101]Pope Francis described Higgins as a "wise man of today" during an audience in the Vatican.[102]
On 15 June 2022, Higgins described housing in Ireland as "our great, great failure," saying, "It isn't a crisis anymore — it is a disaster."[103]
On 19 September 2022, Higgins was among 500 presidents, prime ministers, foreign royal family members and dignitaries who attended thestate funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.[104]
On 24 January 2023, Higgins began a five-day state visit to Senegal, his first time in Africa since 2014. While visiting Senegal, Higgins met with Senegalese presidentMacky Sall.[105]
On 28 April, Higgins made a speech from Áras an Uachtaráin in which he criticised economists for being "obsessed" with economic growth and consumption and for promoting "neoliberalism". The same speech urged economists to be more environmentally conscious and to imagine a greener future.[107] The speech was criticised by Irish economists,[108][109] who responded by arguing that Higgins's criticisms were outdated by several decades and that the study of economics in 2023 pivoted long ago to be highly environmentally conscious, something Higgins would be aware of if he interacted with economists more.[110] Labour senatorMarie Sherlock defended Higgins's commentary[110] while the Minister for Public ExpenditurePaschal Donohoe stated he welcomed the debate brought about by Higgins's comments.[110][111]
On 6 May, Higgins was at theCoronation of Charles III and Camilla, marking the first time that a President of Ireland had attended the coronation of a British monarch.[112]
On 29 February 2024, Higgins was taken to hospital as a precaution after complaining of feeling unwell.[113] On 24 April, Higgins confirmed he had suffered amild stroke.[114]
On 20 December 2024, Higgins delivered his final Christmas Message as President of Ireland, in which he called against worldwide conflict and the ensuing human rights violations, praised the Irish communities worldwide, wished well all new citizens welcomed to the country and thanked the people of Ireland for their support over his two terms as president.[115]
On 27 January 2025, Higgins was accused by multiple Israeli Ministers and former Israeli Ambassador to IrelandDana Erlich of "politicalising" aHolocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Dublin to commemorate 80 years since the liberation ofAuschwitz. One protester was removed and others left the event during Higgins's speech, when he said "Those in Israel who mourn their loved ones, those who have been waiting for the release of hostages, or the thousands searching for relatives in the rubble in Gaza will welcome the long-overdue ceasefire for which there has been such a heavy price paid."[116] Tom O'Dowd, the chairperson of Holocaust Education Ireland (who organise the commemoration), said "It turned out to be a very small protest. It didn't stop the President in his stride. And I think it is worth pointing out that the President has spent a lifetime fighting for civil and human rights, and I don't think he would object to people objecting either." This was the seventh occasion on which Higgins had been invited to speak at the annual commemoration.[116][117]
Political positions and views
Higgins is generally described as a left-wing socialist.[118][119][120][121] His political career has been marked by a focus on human rights,social justice, and opposition toneoliberal economics. He has been involved in causes such as gender equality, minority rights, and the protection of civil liberties, both in Ireland and internationally. Throughout his life, he has been a critic of militarism and imperialism, notably opposing American interventions in Latin America in the 1980s and the Iraq War in 2003. Higgins also places strong emphasis on cultural development,climate justice, and the idea of a more inclusive and compassionate Republic. A fluent Irish speaker and writer, Higgins has advocated for greater emphasis on the Irish language throughout his career. As part of this, he createdTeilifís na Gaeilge (later renamed TG4) in late 1996, establishing a dedicated Irish-language television station aimed at promoting the language and culture.[16]
Those critical of Higgins's views have called his views outdated and stuck in the 1970s. In 2022Michael McDowell criticised him after Higgins suggested Ireland had been "ravaged due to decades of attack from an orthodox, laissez-faire economics". McDowell counterargued that Ireland had grown by leaps and bounds economically since the 1970s and to use terms like "ravaged" did not reflect reality.[119] In 2023, Irish economists called Higgins out of touch after he suggested they were prioritising neoliberalism over environmental concerns, and argued they had already incorporated such viewpoints long ago.[122] Others have been critical of Higgins's views of Cuba and Iran, arguing that these countries run counter to Higgins's anti-authoritarian values.[123][124]
As well as having a successful political career Higgins has had a career as a poet and broadcaster and has produced works of non-fiction.[118][134] He has contributed widely to political and philosophical journals on numerous subjects, among them ideology, the sociology of literature, clientelism in politics,[135] regionalism and the politics of the media. He wrote and presented a television film on Montserrat, entitledThe Other Emerald Isle forChannel 4 and his documentary on the life ofNoel Browne, forRTÉ, has also been screened.[136]
Higgins has had poems published in a number of periodicals, as well as publishing four collections of his poetry, includingThe Betrayal (1990), his second book of poemsThe Season of Fire (1993) and his latest bookAn Arid Season (2004).[137] His personal notes and work books reside at theNational Library of Ireland.[138]
Among Higgins's poems are "The death of the Red Cow" and "TheAss", an ode to a donkey.[139]
Higgins wrote forHot Press from 1983 to 1993 contributing with a forthnightly column. His writing tackled global issues like apartheid, US foreign policy, and Irish referendums on divorce and abortion, while celebrating arts and culture.[140] A selections of these works were re-published in 2024 bookPower to the People: The Hot Press Years.[141]
Higgins has campaigned for human rights and written of conflict in many parts of the world, including such areas as Nicaragua, Chile, Cambodia, El Salvador, Iraq, and Somalia.[147] He spoke in the Dáil in defence of the 2010Gaza Freedom Flotilla.[148] In recognition of his work for peace with justice in many parts of the world, he became the first recipient of the Seán MacBride Peace Prize of theInternational Peace Bureau in Helsinki, Finland, in 1992.[149] He was a noted critic of U.S. foreign policy under the Ronald Reagan administration. In 2005, in response to a column for theIrish Independent byKevin Myers about the riots then erupting across immigrant areas in France and Britain, he said "the contents of his column today go beyond his usually crafted cowardice, staying one step on the safe side of prosecution for incitement to hatred or racism."[150]
Higgins is the subject of the song "Michael D. Rocking in the Dáil" by popularTuam bandThe Saw Doctors. The song first appeared as a B-side on the 1994 single "Small Bit of Love" and is also on the 2002 compilationPlay It Again, Sham!.[156]
Honours and awards
Foreign honours
El Salvador: Grand Cross of theOrder of José Matías Delgado. Awarded in 2013 after Higgins returned to El Salvador as president of Ireland, where 31 years earlier he had visited on a fact-finding mission to investigate theEl Mozote massacre.[157]
United Nations: It was reported on 26 January 2024 that Higgins had been awarded the United Nations Agricola Medal (agricola means farmer in Latin). He would be presented with the award by the Director-General of theFood and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),Qu Dongyu, in a ceremony in Dublin later in the year. Higgins was selected by the FAO "in recognition of your contribution and commitment to the welfare of all peoples, your extraordinary support for FAO's fundamental goal of attaining universal food security, and the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."[159][160]
Personal life
His wife,Sabina Higgins (née Coyne), is an actress and a native of Cloonrane,[161] atownland in County Galway[162][163] nearBallindine, County Mayo. She grew up on a farm there in a family of five girls and two boys.[164]
Higgins has aBernese Mountain Dog namedMisneach ("Courage").[169][170] He previously had a number of other Bernese dogs -Síoda andBród, who died in 2020 and 2023 respectively, and earlier in his presidency a dog called Shadow.[171][172]
^"Irish President meets University President".The University of Manchester. University of Manchester. 23 November 2012.Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved9 February 2015.President Higgins first arrived in Manchester in 1968 and spent much of his time attending lectures and seminars in the Dover Street Building.
^"Emmet Stagg obituary: Labour Party stalwart was 'a very determined standard-bearer for the left'".Irish Times. 23 March 2024. Retrieved26 April 2025.During the 1980s and early 1990s, Stagg was a prominent figure within the internal politics of the Labour Party. He was viewed alongside Michael D Higgins and Joe Higgins as one of the leaders of a strong left-wing faction within the party opposed to coalition with Fine Gael and an opponent of party leader, Dick Spring
^"Michael D. Higgins".Oireachtas Members Database.Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved21 September 2009.
^"Defeated TDs claim pro-abortion smear".The Irish Times. 26 November 1982. Retrieved1 August 2016.Mr Higgins declared that the notion had been propounded throughout the campaign that he had become too radical and was in favour of abortion
^Coulter, Oisín Vince (6 February 2020)."The PBP/Solidarity explainer: from Campaigns to Revolution".Village Magazine.The Militant Tendency in Ireland, like its British counterpart, existed within the Labour Party here until the late 1980s when numerous expulsions of their members drove them out. They were known as Militant Labour until 1996 when they adopted their current name of the Socialist Party. They used to run in elections as the Anti-Austerity Alliance, but recently rebranded to Solidarity.
^McCabe, Conor (2015)."The Radical Left in Ireland".Socialism and Democracy.29 (3):158–165.doi:10.1080/08854300.2015.1084697.S2CID146396087.In contrast, the Trotskyist formation, Militant Tendency, which was expelled from Labour in 1989, formed the Socialist Party in 1996, winning its first seat in 1997 when Joe Higgins was elected as TD for Dublin West.
^"Socialist Party".The Socialist Party is a Trotskyist party active in Ireland. It arose from the Irish Militant Tendency, which became Militant Labour after ending the policy of entryism in the Labour party, and later merged with the Labour and Trade Union Group in Northern Ireland to form the Socialist Party. It is a member of the Comittee [sic] for a Workers' International [Majority] (CWI). Joe Higgins was elected for the party in 1997, and held his seat until 2007.
^Higgins, Michael D (1982).The Limit of Clientelism. C. Clapman, Private Patronage and Public Power. London: Frances Pinter.ISBN0312647174.OCLC874469771.
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