Having been successfully elected for a second term as President of Ireland back in October, it's been quite the year for Michael D Higgins.

Here are ten reasons why he's class: 1) When he stands next to anyone tall he doesn't get intimidated  I've got an inch on Miggeldy, but I sympathise with the experience of standing next to anyone tall and feeling like a solar eclipse is occurring. There are plenty of hilarious examples of Michael D next to tall folk, but I think my personal favourite has to be the infamous pic where he's sandwiched between Paul O’Connell and Devin Toner. GOLDEN.

5′3 of Michael D Higgins beside 6′9 of Devin Toner. pic.twitter.com/PHtEZlKZGF

— Stephen Long (@Stephen_Long) November 16, 2013

2) His undying love for doggos Dog people are scientifically proven to be the nicest, most intelligent people going (based on studies I've independently undertaken) so it just makes sense that Michael has two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bród and Sioda, whom he adores. I especially love this snap as it looks like he cajoled Sabina into taking a good 20 pictures before he was happy...what a #InstaHun. 3) The time he hopped on the BMX The seventy-seven-year-old proved he was still down with the kids. 4) The Slane throwback pic Probably the best thing to grace the internet.

If you needed a reason to love Michael D Higgins: a) this photo of him at Bob Dylan in Slane in 1984 pic.twitter.com/dYfY4UCiAA

— Cian Nugent (@ciannugent) May 30, 2015

5) The time he critiqued Ryan Tubridy's music taste and labelled him as "mainstream" During the 2013 RTÉ interview Michael D chatted about when he wrote for Hot Press in 1982 (skitting) and revealed himself to be "more of a Rolling Stones person that a Beatles person", mocking Tubs for being "mainstream" when he said he preferred the latter band. Anyone who's a Stones fan is ok in my book. 6) When he did the Mexican Wave at the Liam Miller tribute match ICONIC.

There is nothing but pure joy in this picture of @MichaelDHiggins doing the Mexican wave pic.twitter.com/q2dE4UJqQL

— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) September 25, 2018

7) When he proved he ain't no diva and queued for the ATM Gettin' those dolla$ out to buy a Rolling Stones 'tape' or bring Sabina to the 'pictures' no doubt.

Ladies and gents I bring you Michael D Higgins waiting in line for an ATM .. Your welcome. pic.twitter.com/BnFqZBFzze

— cíara (@1DBeours) March 26, 2014

8) When he called conservative political commentator, Michael Graham, a w*nker live on radio The firey comment came after Graham opposed the White House’s health care reform bill in a 2010 interview with Mickey D. The exchange showcased the President's excellent debating skills and showed he's NOT one to mess with. via GIPHY 9) He champions important movements Michael D has long been a supporter of women's rights and as a senator in 1983 critiqued the Eighth Amendment. He also supports culture and the arts and is keen to maintain respectful, peaceful relationships when the outcomes of Brexit begin to unfold.

Very moving. As a Senator, Michael D.Higgins opposed the introduction of the 8th, and now as President he signs to repeal it. #RepealedThe8th https://t.co/vvIavsLTwR

— Eve Hester-Wyne (@amhester) September 19, 2018

10) Because he's inspired the best tea cosies the world will ever have He may only be 5’3, but Michael D is the legend we all look up to.