SINN FÉIN has revealed it will contest the presidential election after incumbent Michael D Higgins confirmed he would run for a second term.
Higgins revealed his plans this week, having said at his 2011 inauguration he did not intend to seek a second term.
However Sinn Féin said that in the seven intervening years “a new generation has become politically engaged” and they should have a say in the presidency.
'Wider conversation'
“Ireland and the world have changed in the seven years since we last had a presidential election,” said Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
“A new generation has become politically engaged and have been central to changing Ireland for the better as we saw in the marriage equality referendum and in the referendum to remove the Eighth Amendment.
“In those referenda, young people voted in unprecedented numbers.
“It is right that we give this generation the opportunity to be part of a wider conversation about what a better Ireland should look like.”
Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Irish Labour Party have all expressed their support for Higgins’ decision to stand for a second term.
While Sinn Féin praised his time in office, McDonald said it was time to look to the future.
'Appetite for change'
“It is simply wrong that citizens be denied their right to vote because the political establishment of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and Labour do not want an election,” said McDonald.
“A presidential election can be a very positive thing for Ireland.
“We believe that there is an appetite for political and social change.
“President Michael D Higgins sought and received a mandate to serve as our President for the past seven years.
“I want to commend President Higgins and his wife Sabina on how they have represented Ireland during the term of his presidency.
“He is a President we can be proud of.
“But this election will be about the next seven years, about who is best to lead our country into that future.”
The party has appointed a Presidential Election Committee to oversee the process of selecting a candidate.
The election is likely to be held on October 25 or 26.
