Ireland’s President calls for dignity on campaign trail ahead of election

President Michael D Higgins has said he wants the presidential election campaign to address “real issues” and be “dignified”.

Mr Higgins, who formally opened the first day of the national ploughing championships in Co Offaly, said he was very much looking forward to the campaign.

“Let it be about real issues and let it be dignified,” the president said.

Mr Higgins said he would be talking about his bid for a second term in office later in the week but that Tuesday was all about ploughing.

“I’ve never run away from a campaign in my life,” he said.

“I’ve answered questions, I think, for about 30 or 40 years in relation to campaigns and I’m looking forward to it.”

Dragons’ Den stars Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy, as well as Pieta House founder and senator Joan Freeman, all of whom have entered the race for Aras an Uachtarain, were pitching for votes at the championships near Tullamore.

It is the second time Mr Higgins is going head-to-head against Mr Gallagher.

Mr Higgins pipped him to the post in 2011.

Mr Gallagher said he was looking forward to a “positive and engaging” campaign.

The businessman said Mr Higgins had wished him well and Mr Gallagher said he had congratulated him for the last seven years of his contribution to the Irish people.

Mr Gallagher said he was not seeking the job for the big pay cheque.

“I’m not seeking the role of president to do with the salary,” he said.

“I’m concerned about the job itself and how I can use my skills and experience at this juncture in our history to help be of service to the Irish people.”

Mr Duffy said he had received a warm welcome from farmers as he arrived and it had taken him more than one hour to get 300 metres due to crowds greeting him.

He said rural development was needed to keep people in communities in particular in communities along the western seaboard.

“I’m somebody who understands those issues and I feel I’ve something to contribute to the national conversation,” Mr Duffy said.

Sinn Fein candidate Liadh Ni Riada is expected to canvas for votes at the event on Wednesday.