In his 14 years as president, Michael D Higgins has become known for his Bernese Mountain dogs and his political views.

The majority (79 per cent) of adults in Ireland are likely to vote in the upcoming presidential election, according to research from iReach Insights

One Kerry councillor questioned the candidates on how seriously they were taking their presidential bids.

Two hopefuls have announced their intention to seek Fine Gael’s nomination for president.

Anne last visited the Áras an Uachtaráin in 2004

It came after a BreakingNews.ie interview with former minister Ivan Yates, who said Mr Healy-Rae could be a "dark horse" in the presidential race

Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae could be a "dark horse" in the presidential race, according to former minister Ivan Yates

Justice minister Helen McEntee will outline the enhancements to the searchable database which was first launched last year.

David O'Callaghan, 40, of The Fairways, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, allegedly crashed a van into entrances of the landmark State buildings after suffering "delusional fantasies" in the early hours of August 2nd

The parties have already began to set out their stall on housing, immigration and childcare as they vie for votes on November 29.

Taoiseach Simon Harris asked President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dáil ahead of a polling date on Friday, November 29th

Ronan Dunne, 58, of Griffin Rath Hall, Maynooth, Co Kildare, was held by Judge Paula Murphy last Friday on €6,000 bail after being charged with criminal damage following the incident on October 10th.

Antoinette Keegan said it was overwhelming that after years of campaigning the families were being hosted at the President’s residence.

Ronan Dunne, 58, of Griffin Rath Hall, Maynooth, Co Kildare, was held on €6,000 bail after being charged with criminal damage following the incident at 4 pm on Thursday

David O'Callaghan (40) faces five counts of criminal damage to gates at three locations

A man in his 40s was detained.

Margaret Bergin, 73, a married mother of three of Fairfield House, Mountrath, Co Laois, pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of theft and five sample counts of larceny

Simon Harris has been elected as the country's new Taoiseach, making him the youngest leader of the Government in the history of the State

Mr Varadkar will remain as Taoiseach in a caretaker capacity until a new taoiseach is voted in by the Dáil.

While no urgent issue was found by paramedics, President Higgins, 82, was taken to a Dublin hospital for follow-up examinations.

A series of reports from the Office of Public Works (OPW) detail how the Áras was forced to call in exterminators on an almost monthly basis over the past year.