Michael D. Higgins Accuses Foreign Affairs Officials of Leaking Against Him

Key facts

• Michael D. Higgins served as President of Ireland from 2011 to 2025.
• He returned €2.6 million of salary and allowances to the State over his two terms.
• Higgins criticized the Department of Foreign Affairs for allegedly leaking information against him.
• He cited a 2013 Le Monde interview that drew criticism, details of which later appeared in The Irish Times.
• He was also stung by criticism of his refusal to attend a 2021 Armagh ceremony commemorating Northern Ireland's foundation.
• Higgins said he would not have met Donald Trump at Doonbeg if still president.
• The Sunday Independent conducted the interview.
• Higgins and his wife Sabina received a warm welcome from neighbors upon returning to Galway.

A President's Grievance

Former Irish president Michael D. Higgins has sharply criticized the Department of Foreign Affairs for allegedly leaking information against him and misrepresenting him during his 14 years in Áras an Uachtaráin. In a lengthy interview with the Sunday Independent, Higgins detailed several instances where he believes officials undermined him. He cited criticism of remarks he made in a 2013 interview with Le Monde, which were later reported by The Irish Times. He also referenced backlash over his refusal to attend a 2021 ceremony in Armagh commemorating the foundation of Northern Ireland. On each occasion, Higgins suggested that Department of Foreign Affairs officials were the source of the leaks.

Strained Relations with the Department

The Áras has traditionally maintained a strong relationship with the Department of Foreign Affairs due to the diplomatic nature of the presidency. However, Higgins clearly feels he was traduced by its officials. He also suggested that the current President, Catherine Connolly, and government ministers have been similarly targeted. “It’s all very subtle,” Higgins said. “It isn’t just presidents, past and current, who are suffering from that leaking tendency, but the Ministers.” While acknowledging that there are “very fine officials” in the department, including former secretary general Noel Dorr, Higgins firmly believes the department now needs to be reined in.

Return to Galway and Financial Stewardship

When Higgins and his wife Sabina arrived back to their Galway home last year, neighbors stood in the rain to welcome them. After 14 years at Áras an Uachtaráin, it was “one of the most moving” moments, he told the Sunday Independent. The transition has not been without challenges, as Higgins noted: “We’ve successfully left the Áras, but we haven’t successfully arrived here yet.” During his two terms, Higgins returned €2.6 million of his salary and allowances to the State, including an underspend of nearly €400,000 in his second term alone. This act of financial prudence underscores his commitment to public service.

Criticism of the European Commission and Trump

Higgins was also fiercely critical of the European Commission, saying its approach to the conflict in Gaza had put the future of the EU in question. He stated that if he were still president, he would not go to Doonbeg to meet Donald Trump. The US president may visit his Irish resort in September when it hosts the Irish Open golf tournament, though no arrangements have been finalized. These comments reflect Higgins's willingness to speak out on international issues, even after leaving office.

Wider Context and Legacy

Higgins's presidency was marked by a focus on social justice, culture, and Ireland's place in the world. His decision to return millions in salary and allowances has been widely praised. The allegations of leaking against the Department of Foreign Affairs raise questions about the relationship between the presidency and the civil service. As Higgins adjusts to life back in Galway, his interview offers a rare glimpse into the tensions that can exist within the upper echelons of Irish governance.

What Comes Next

The Department of Foreign Affairs has not yet responded to Higgins's allegations. The former president's comments may prompt a review of protocols regarding leaks and the handling of sensitive information. Meanwhile, Higgins continues to engage in public discourse, with his critique of the EU and Trump likely to resonate with some segments of the Irish public. His return to private life marks the end of an era, but his voice remains influential in Irish and international affairs.

The bottom line

• Michael D. Higgins accused the Department of Foreign Affairs of leaking against him and other officials.
• He returned €2.6 million in salary and allowances to the State over his two terms.
• Higgins criticized the European Commission's approach to Gaza and said he would not meet Trump at Doonbeg.
• The transition back to Galway has been challenging, but a warm welcome from neighbors was moving.
• His interview highlights ongoing tensions between the presidency and the civil service.
• Higgins remains an active commentator on domestic and international issues.