Michael D. Higgins

Michael D. Higgins – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life and legacy of Michael D. Higgins (born April 18, 1941), Irish politician, poet, academic, and President of Ireland. Delve into his upbringing, political journey, writings, and inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Michael Daniel Higgins is a multifaceted figure in Irish public life: a poet, academic, human rights advocate, and politician. Since November 2011, he has served as the ninth President of Ireland, distinguishing himself through his focus on social justice, culture, equality, and reconciliation.

Though the Irish presidency is largely ceremonial, Higgins has used the office as a moral platform—speaking out on issues from human rights to climate justice.

In this article, we trace his life from early years through academic and political careers, highlight his literary output, discuss his ideals and influence, and present some of his most quoted lines.

Early Life and Family

Michael D. Higgins was born on 18 April 1941 in Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland.

His father, John Higgins, was originally from Ballycar, County Clare, and had been involved in the Irish republican movement (his father and uncles participated in the Irish War of Independence).

When Michael was five years old, due to his father’s illness and financial difficulties, he and a younger sibling were sent to live with an aunt and uncle on a farm in County Clare (near Newmarket-on-Fergus). His twin sisters remained in Limerick.

He attended Ballycar National School and then St. Flannan’s College in Ennis, County Clare.

Higgins often refers to this early separation and hardship in his poetry and public reflections as formative in his understanding of home, belonging, and social responsibility.

Education & Academic Career

At around age 20, Higgins entered University College Galway (now University of Galway), with financial help and scholarships. While at UCG, he was active in student life—serving in the Literary and Debating Society (as vice-auditor and later auditor)

He went on to study abroad. His academic record includes time at Indiana University in the U.S. and the University of Manchester in the U.K.

Later, he served as a university lecturer and professor (especially in sociology, political studies, and related fields) before committing fully to public life.

He has also published poetry, essays, critical work, and been active in broadcasting and public intellectual discussion.

Political Career & Public Office

Early Political Involvement

Higgins originally joined Fianna Fáil during his student days at UCG but later shifted his alignment toward the Labour Party (from around 1968).

He unsuccessfully ran in general elections in 1969 and 1973 before being nominated to Seanad Éireann (the Irish Senate) in 1973 by the Taoiseach.

Member of Dáil (TD) & Minister

He was first elected to Dáil Éireann (lower house) as a TD for Galway West in 1981. He held that seat in various terms until 2011, with intervening periods in the Seanad when he lost seats.

From 1993 to 1997, Higgins served as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in a coalition government. During that tenure, among other initiatives, he re-established the Irish Film Board and helped promote the Irish language media (e.g. TG4). He also repealed Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act, which had banned Sinn Féin from appearing in Irish media, thus opening media access.

He also held local posts: he was Mayor of Galway in 1981–82 and again in 1990–1991.

Presidency (2011 – Present)

In October 2011, Higgins won election as President of Ireland and was inaugurated on 11 November 2011. He pledged to serve one seven-year term initially, though later ran for a second term. In 2018, he was re-elected with a very strong personal mandate—winning a large share of first-preference votes.

As President, Higgins has used the position to speak on social inclusion, human rights, equality, reconciliation (especially Northern Ireland), climate justice, and global solidarity. He made the first state visit by an Irish president to the United Kingdom (in April 2014).

Though the presidency is non-executive, his rhetorical and moral leadership have been influential.

Writing, Poetry & Intellectual Voice

Michael D. Higgins is also a poet, essayist, and public intellectual. He has published poetry collections such as The Betrayal (1990), The Season of Fire (1993), An Arid Season (2004), and New and Selected Poems (2011).

His non-fiction works and essays address Irish identity, culture, media, social justice, and the nature of the Republic.

He also wrote columns (for example for Hot Press during the 1980s and 1990s), engaging public discourse on apartheid, foreign policy, cultural issues, and Irish society.

Higgins considers poetry and politics deeply intertwined—he has said that politics should not stifle imagination and that culture is central to social change.

His archive of personal notebooks, manuscripts, and working papers are held at the National Library of Ireland.

Personality, Beliefs & Style

Higgins is known for his intellect, empathy, moral conviction, eloquence, and commitment to cultural and social causes.

He consistently emphasizes citizenship, equality, inclusion, creative society, and an approach to development that respects both material and non-material values.

He is fluent in Irish (Gaelic), and has long championed the Irish language and culture in public life.

He takes stands on global issues—criticizing militarism, advocating human rights, and calling for international solidarity and justice.

His style tends to be literary, reflective, and holistic in its view of social issues—as opposed to narrowly technocratic.

Famous Quotes of Michael D. Higgins

Here are several notable quotes from Michael D. Higgins that reflect his vision, values, and voice:

• “Every age, after all, must have its own aisling and dream of a better, kinder, happier, shared world.”

• “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.”

• “Ireland has made its choice for the future and it has chosen the version of Irishness it will build. I know, and I will work with head and heart to be part of it with all of you …”

• “I will be a President for all the people, whether they voted for me or not …”

• “The necessary transformation of which I speak … is built on turning creative possibilities into live realities for all our people.”

These lines illustrate his belief in inclusive citizenship, cultural imagination, moral purpose, and active democracy.

Legacy, Influence & Reflections

Michael D. Higgins is perhaps the most unusual president Ireland has had: a literary intellectual in the highest office, combining moral voice with civic symbolism.

His presidency is likely to be remembered for:

• Elevating discourse on culture, inclusion, justice, and human dignity.

• Strengthening the symbolic role of the presidency as a moral conscience rather than mere ceremony.

• Bridging Ireland’s artistic, linguistic, and social traditions with modern social justice agendas.

• Encouraging public reflection on identity, memory, and intergenerational responsibility.

He has influenced younger Irish politicians, cultural workers, and activists who see public life as inseparable from moral and imaginative purpose.

At the time of writing, the second term of his presidency is approaching its end (November 2025) and many reflect with respect on how a poetic president framed moral issues in a modern republic.

Lessons from Michael D. Higgins

From his life and work, we may draw several lessons:

1. Integration of art and politics
   Higgins shows that political life need not be divorced from poetry, culture, or imagination.

2. Moral leadership in symbolic roles
   Even in office with limited executive power, one can influence values, language, and public ideals.

3. Depth over expediency
   He refuses to reduce public life to metrics alone; he argues for wisdom, memory, ethics, and non-measurable goods.

4. Inclusivity & citizenship
   His repeated emphasis on being president for all, regardless of voting choice, speaks to respectful pluralism.

5. Voice as service
   He uses his platform not to promote self, but to champion the marginalized, cultural richness, and social justice.

Conclusion

Michael D. Higgins is a rare combination of poet, scholar, and statesman. His journey from rural childhood through academia, political activism, and ultimately to the presidency speaks to conviction, intellect, and a belief in the dignity of the human person.

As Ireland evolves, his presidency will likely be seen as a chapter when the moral and aesthetic dimensions of national life were foregrounded in public discourse. His quotes continue to inspire those who believe that politics is not just governance, but a shared imaginative project.