McAleese 's initial seven-year term of office ended in November 2004 , but she stood for a second term in the 2004 presidential election . Following the failure of any other candidate to secure the necessary support for nomination , the incumbent President stood unopposed , with no political party affiliation , and was declared elected on 1 October 2004 . She was re-inaugurated at the commencement of her second seven-year term on 11 November 2004 . McAleese 's very high approval ratings were widely seen as the reason for her re-election , with no opposition party willing to bear the cost ( financial or political ) of competing in an election that would prove difficult to win
2004 presidential election
2004 Irish presidential election
Mary McAleese