Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has said he “definitely wouldn’t rule out” a bid for the presidency next year.

Michael D Higgins' second term in office is set to expire and he will be unable to run again, paving the way for a new face in Áras an Uachtaráin after next October’s presidential election.

Topping the poll in the Midlands North West constituency of the European Parliament, which covers 15 counties, is Luke ‘Ming Flanagan’ who is certain to secure a third term in Brussels by the end of the week.

President Michael D Higgins, 11-4-14. Image: Colin Underhill / Alamy

Speaking at the count centre in Castlebar, the independent politician said he “wouldn’t rule out” a bid for the presidency next year.

“For me, the importance of the presidency or the importance of being an MEP or a councillor or a TD is the idea that anyone can go out there and put their name on a ballot paper,” he told Newstalk.

“It doesn’t matter how much money they have at the beginning, and if they are persistent, they can actually eventually get elected.”

Proving doubters wrong

Mr Flanagan said he’s had many people doubt him throughout his career and has proved them wrong.

“In my first election, I was a million to one with Mulholland bookmakers to top the poll in Galway, and I got 548 votes in that election," he said.

“People would have said you’re never going to become a TD, you’re never going to become a councillor, but history shows if you stick with it and learn from your mistakes, the sky is the limit.

“People also would have told me you’d never become an MEP, but history shows that is possible.”

'More than signing papers'

Mr Flanagan said the presidential role is more than being a State figurehead.

“Michael D Higgins has proved that as president, at very, very important times, he can put out a message there, and he can change the mood, and he can be a leader, he said.

“I don't think we see that coming from Dáil Éireann a lot of the time.

“So, Michael D. Higgins has proved that being the president is about more than just signing papers.”

The Castlerea, Roscommon native said he “still has plenty to do as an MEP,” and added, “We’ll see what happens” in relation to a future presidential campaign.

Main image: Candidate Luke 'Ming' Flanagan speaking to the media as Counting continues at TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar for the Midlands North West constituency in the European elections. Picture date. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo