Fine Gael Minister Michael D’Arcy has urged everyone in Wexford to vote for Michael D. Higgins in next Friday’s Presidential Election.
Minister D’Arcy said: “In supporting Michael D. Higgins, we acknowledge that over the last seven years he has been a model President who has brought great dignity to the Office and earned great affection from the nation.
“He is a strong unifying force for our country, a great ambassador at home and abroad, a caring and compassionate advocate for our people and a president in whom we can all be proud.
“Michael D. was at the forefront of campaigns for progressive change on issues such as the introduction of divorce, access to contraception and equal rights for women. He also opposed the introduction of the 8th amendment of the Constitution in 1983.”
Minister D’Arcy continued: “Michael D. Higgins led the 1916 centenary process with great dignity and sensitivity and deepened public discourse on remembering the past.
“This experience and leadership is crucial for the next seven years, with the forthcoming commemorations of the War of Independence and the Civil War.

Brendan Howlin T.D., Cllr John Hegarty, Chairman of Wexford County Council, President Michael D. Higgins, and his wife, Sabina, at the Redmond Centenary Commemoration in Wexford earlier this year.

“As a consistent voice for equality, he fought for elimination of poverty and a ‘citizenship floor’ of basic rights and participation below which no citizen should fall.
“Michael D. has always maintained a strong interest in justice and peace worldwide.”
In 1992, Michael D. Higgins was awarded the first Seán McBride International Peace Prize. Appointed as Ireland’s first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in 1992, Michael D. made brave decisions which continue to benefit Ireland. In 1996, he became President of the European Council of Culture Ministers.

His achievements include the establishment of TG4, new public museums and a network of local arts venues and theatres right across Ireland. He re-established the Film Board, helping to drive the rejuvenation of film, television and animation production in Ireland, creating thousands of jobs in a sector which continues to flourish. He also gave support to Lyric FM and community radio.
“While the polls look positive for Michael D, we cannot be complacent,” said Minister D’Arcy, who added; “There are several other candidates vying to be our president and we need to keep up the momentum for Michael D. Higgins and make sure everyone turns out to give him their number one vote on Friday, October 26th.