Pres Michael D. Higgins has said that in re-electing him for a second seven-year term voters have chosen hope over “any exploitation of division or fear” and promised to be a president for “all the people." The less-than-subtle reference was to his major opponent in the race, Peter Casey, who came in a strong second place even after controversial comments allegedly disparaging the Traveler minority and calling Ireland a "welfare state" where too many people were dependent on government. Casey, who lived in the USA for more than 20 years, was compared to Pres. Trump in style and rhetoric during the campaign. He denied the comparison. Nonetheless, he beat critics' expectations with his strong 23% finish, to Higgins' 44% draw. Three others polled below 7% each.
Higgins will now have to deal with the real Donald Trump and Brexit in the United Kingdom, which threatens to erect border crossings between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is administered by the UK.
Also winning in this weekend's ballot was a measure overturning the nation's ancient blasphemy laws, which prosecuted people who offended religion. Sixty-five percent of voters were in favor of removing the offense from the Constitution, with 35 percent against.
PHOTO: Pres. Michael D. Higgins, with wife, Sabina, celebrating his victory.
[FULL STORY HERE]
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