Making an Irishness to be proud of in a real Republic. It is the vision of a real Republic where life and language, where ideals and experience have the ring of authenticity which we need now as we go forward.

Now it is time to turn to an older wisdom that, while respecting material comfort and security as a basic right of all, also recognises that many of the most valuable things in life cannot be measured.

I'm happy with the vote and the support. I'm very glad that it is so decisive. It will enable me to be a president for all of the people.

Michael D. Higgins Quotes