Image Source: RTÉFormer Presidential candidate David Norris has questioned Michael D Higgins’s bid for a second term in office.
Senator Norris who was speaking in the Seanad that the current age should be brought into question but people backing him are refusing to do so.
Mr Norris who has said he is a good friend of President Higgins, said younger candidates including Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly should be considered for the position and recieve further support.
The 2011 candidate, also questioned the Seanad by stating the following: “With the best will in the world, do you want a president who’ll be 85 in the last year?”.
“Because, forget about ageism, it’s the truth.”
Senator Norris’s comments come in a week when Fianna Fail said they will not nominate a candidate if President Higgins decides to seek another term in office.
Although Mr Norris’s comments angered some in the Seanad, some leading figures have questioned President Higgins choice to run for a second term as he will turn 85 upon its completion.