Labour Party president Michael D Higgins says he will seek a nomination to run in the next general election in Galway West.
Mr Higgins's decision effectively quashes intense speculation over recent weeks that he would not stand again for health reasons. It may also thwart Fianna Fáil's ambition to secure three seats in the five-seat constituency.
Mr Higgins said yesterday he was aware of the speculation about his intentions, but he had recovered well from surgery last year.
"The issues I have been involved with, such as the war in Iraq and development aid, are still ongoing, and I feel I have a contribution to make for another term," Mr Higgins, who is Labour's foreign affairs spokesman, added.
The former minister for the arts was elected to the Dáil in 1981, lost his seat in the second 1982 general election and regained it in 1987 - serving in the Seanad in the interim. He has also held two terms as mayor of Galway.
Mr Higgins said he had always promised he would let Labour members know first about his plans, and had done so at last Friday's constituency council meeting in Galway.
"I have said that I will allow my name to go forward for nomination," he said. The selection convention is expected to be held in a few weeks and no decision has yet been taken on a running mate, he said.
