During what turned out to be his successful campaign for the Irish presidency in 2011, Michael D Higgins indicated that he was only interested in serving a single term of office.
He has since been by any standards an impressive and respected head of state, and is now reported to be considering the possibility of running for re-election later this year.
The president's health at the age of 76 is understood to be excellent, and he should be well capable of dealing with the demands of another seven years in Arás an Uachtaráin.
If he sets out clearly and openly the reasons for his change of mind, most people will feel that he is fully entitled to put his name before the Irish electorate this Autumn.
