Michael D Higgins asks Labour councillors to back Norris candidacy

Labour's Presidential hopeful Michael D Higgins has asked his party's Dublin city councillors not to block the nomination of Senator David Norris.

Mr Higgins has addressed Labour's 19 Councillors this evening ahead of a vote on a nomination of Senator Norris in the next hour.

Earlier, Dana secured her place in the race for the Áras after getting the backing of four councils.

If, as expected, David Norris wins the Dublin City vote, he too will have secured the backing of the required four local authorities.

Michael D Higgins said: "I have consistently described the nomination criteria for the Presidency as outdated and in need of review (but) I believe that they (Labour members of the council) should not seek to obstruct the entrance of David Norris as a candidate into the field."

Labour group leader on Dublin City Council Paddy Bourke said his colleagues would not all vote the same way, but he was nonetheless certain David Norris would get the nomination.