With an official State visit to Britain now planned for next year, we decided to ask our Facebook followers how they thought Michael D Higgins has carried out his role as President of Ireland so far. Here’s an edited selection of some of the comments we received.
Ambrose O Shea: I always believed he was a second choice, but I have to say he is doing a fantastic job. He had hard act to follow, but I’m delighted he is president now.
Larry Fawsitt: Well I can’t complain – he sends me an official Christmas card every year!
Rita O’Malley McMahon: Good job.
Ann Brierley Langridge: Twinkle Toes! Well that’s what my Father calls him! Also my dad is 91-years-young, fit and of sound mind. Says he’s waiting on Twinkle Toes to give him the e5,000 when he reaches 100!
Sandra Devlin Ellis: He is good for the country. Nice man.
Grace Costigan Sinn Féin for Stillorgan LEA: While President Higgins comes across well in general, he has failed to make a real impact on the presidency like some of those before him. Like his party colleagues in Government, there has been a failure to use his position to protect those citizens who need it most of all.
Deirdre Ward: Yes, doing a great job, but he should still take a pay cut. He’s on too much money.
Joey Howard: What president? What has he actually done for the people?
Carmel Corcoran: Unfortunately in this picture he looks like Fr Jack But I can’t complain about the man as I feel he is doing a great job!
Stephen O’Hara: He’s the business.