Thread by @ciananbrennan

Campaign slogan #Aras18

Briefing room is PACKED for president Michael D Higgins' campaign launch. It is ridiculously warm #Aras18

Campaign flyer #Aras18

The President has arrived #Aras18

Higgins is speaking now. Brexit and engaging with youth appear to be twin themes of the campaign #Aras18

There are four official themes in place for the campaign: Equal and Together, Strong Sustainable Communities, Sharing History and Shaping the Future, and Ireland's Voice Matters #Aras18

Higgins will be taking questions at the end of this speech apparently. Expect presidential allowances and RTÉ debates to be top of the agenda #Aras18

"I'm offering myself as a candidate because I'm passionate about the challenges of the coming years. I offer experience, authenticity, understanding and deep love for our country and all its people" - Michael D Higgins #Aras18

The €317k fund is asked about. Higgins says it's a fund he never sees and is primarily used for expenses for hosting at the Aras, including heads of state. "It is within the Oireachtas' gift to rescind it, but would lead to a severe restriction on hospitality," he says #Aras18

Now the coming RTÉ News at One debate. Higgins says he'll participate "in as many debates as I can". Says this isn't his first campaign, "I've been campaigning since 1968" #Aras18

Asked about appropriateness or no of fulfilling presidential duties while campaigning, President says "they have to be fulfilled". "All engagements were agreed some time ago" #Aras18

The hits are coming thick and fast - we're onto the statement on death of Fidel Castro now. Higgins says if asked now he would expand statement to include words on human rights in Cuba. Says he issued that statement before 8 in the morning. "And I had no assistants" #Aras18

Higgins says he would have no problem with a 'formal mechanism' being put in place to answer questions regarding the presidency, but says that people can 'only legislate within the Constitution' #Aras18

President says that fellow nominee Peter Casey's tongue-in-cheek suggestion re an intruder gaining access to his office at the Aras was 'a coincidence' is indication 'that candidate is not long back from America'. Says lady in question is unemployed, he 'wished her well' #Aras18

Higgins has done well under questioning. Asked about his expenses, he says he has no interest in staying in expensive hotels. "I couldn't care less if I stay in a tent" #Aras18

Says he'll answer questions about perhaps taking a second pay cut (he took one after the 2011 election) "if I'm elected". This is with regard to Peter Casey's assertion that he'll take no salary if elected #Aras18

The heat is absolutely unbearable you'll be delighted to hear #Aras18

77-year-old Higgins says his health "is excellent". "In fact I have much more energy than in 2011 because I got my knee done. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I have a yoga teacher, so there's hope for all of you" #Aras18

"As far as I'm concerned we haven't had enough change yet" in Ireland, says the President. Says the only poll that matters is the election itself, urges everyone possible to come out and vote to give the victor a strong mandate for their tenure #Aras18

Higgins, asked specifically whether or not he's open to the Presidency being subject to freedom of information, says "it would have to fit in with the Constitution". "The independence of the Presidency is very important" #Aras18

And that's your lot. Higgins raises his voice to say "I'm in great shape now for the second term", and he's gone. The campaign starts now. But the President certainly didn't look flustered even once during that bout of questions. He remains a canny politician #Aras18

Will his rivals fare any better on the trail? We shall see. They won't get the chance on RTÉ radio tomorrow tho because Higgins won't be there. It should be an interesting 30 days #Aras18