Michael D Higgins (D is for Daniel and determined..)

Michael D Higgins occupation was listed as a 'lecturer' and 'poet'. No stranger to politics, this triumphant 70 year old, has combined a 30 year political career with the roles of sociology professor and that of a published poet.

He was born in Limerick, raised in County Clare, he went to school in St. Flannan's college, Ennis. He was a lecturer at NUIG (Galway). Two unsuccessful attempts in general elections didn't defeat his spirit, as he was elected to the Dail in 1981, but lost two years later. Never one to give up, he was re elected in 1987 and kept his Galway West seat before retiring from the Dail in February, 2011.

He didn't shy away from an oft radical stance... known by many to be a man of principle.

You can read more about him at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15500225

Best wishes to him and to Ireland for the years ahead.