Michael D Higgins’ handlers have asked reporters not to ask the president about seeking a second term in office while he is on State visits, the Floating Voter podcast heard today.

The host of the Independent.ie podcast, Kevin Doyle, revealed that the President’s advisers - on at least two occasions - have asked members of the press not to ask Mr Higgins about his intentions ahead of his seven year tenure ending this year.

Meanwhile, Sunday Independent Political Correspondent Philip Ryan said it is a “complete nonsense” for the President to suggest his decision does not affect anyone else.

However, the Irish Independent’s Nicola Anderson said the President should be given a second term in office.

The podcast also has exclusive audio of Mr Higgins giving his most revealing comments to date on a second term in office while visiting the UN in New York.

The latest political row between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is also discussed along with analysis of internal tensions in the Independent Alliance over a coveted junior ministry post.