File:Presidential Election Campaign 2011 - Michael D (6212164805).jpg

I have put myself forward for president of Ireland because of my passionate belief in our country and people. I offer both vision and experience as we open a new, transformative, chapter in our shared story.

My own journey has taken me from small farm to factory worker, clerk, student, university teacher, and into the public world where I have worked for equality and social justice.

Travelling tens of thousands of kilometres in recent weeks, I have returned to many places I first visited as a campaigner, debating issues of civil rights, women's rights and children's rights, speaking out for peace and against war, playing my part in many of the progressive movements for change in Irish society. The people I have met, in cities and villages, at festivals and football matches, in community halls and centres for the unemployed, have shared their vulnerabilities with me - the fears and concerns they and their families are facing. Yet they have also shared their strengths, hopes and ideas for our country's future. They, along with the many inspiring community initiatives I have seen throughout Ireland, from Mayo to Ballyfermot, are the seedbed for the transformation we need as a nation.

The vision I am offering is of inclusive citizenship in a creative society, as we build a real Republic that makes us proud to be Irish in the world.

As president I would promote a vibrant, inclusive citizenship and highlight initiatives for inclusion and equality. I believe in a "citizenship floor", with a level of participation and rights below which no one should fall.

Everyone has a contribution to make - whatever their religion, capacity, origin, orientation or income - and inclusion also means shared responsibility, to each other and to generations yet to come. As president, I would also promote a creative society, combining the best of tradition with the spark of innovation and opening up possibilities in every area of life from education to science to business.

I would encourage creativity in practical ways, something I did as Ireland's first minister for the arts in the 1990s, establishing TG4 and a network of local arts venues, and helping transform Irish film from an €11 million into a €186 million industry.

I see the same potential today in creative industries from games development to artisan foods. However, creativity is, most importantly, a vital part of citizenship and needs to be supported from the ground up, in our communities and schools. As president, I would encourage access to art, music and self-development for every child.

This is a time for moving past a narrow, individualistic model of economy and society, working together to create something positive and different - a Real Republic, where equality, dignity and participation are the benchmarks.

Next year, its 75th anniversary, will see a major review of our Constitution. As president, I would encourage every citizen to engage with this constitutional convention and reflect on how our Constitution might best serve us all in our shared future.

I would also support further debate by hosting a series of presidential seminars on key issues such as restoring trust in our institutions. The very first seminar will focus on young people and their vision for Ireland and it is my hope that when we commemorate the 1916 Proclamation and other significant anniversaries over the next seven years we may be some steps closer to a Republic that will genuinely "cherish all the children of the nation equally".

Being Irish in the world is something we should all be proud of.

As president, I would draw on experience representing Ireland as minister, foreign affairs spokesman and advocate for peace and human rights, to strengthen all strands of our international reputation from culture and science to leadership in humanitarian and diplomatic work.

I would also deepen connections with our Irish abroad and Irish networks throughout the globe, from Britain to Canada to China - offering support to emigrants of all ages and also identifying new trade opportunities worldwide.