Labour TD says McAleese should be opposed

Michael D Higgins has described as "arrogant" the Tánaiste's remarks that Mary McAleese should be returned unopposed as president for a second term.

In an interview with the Sunday Times he says it is now "quite likely" that he will stand as Labour's candidate to challenge Ms McAleese, when her seven-year term comes to an end next November.

The Galway TD, poet, and anti-war activist, says he has discussed the candidacy with the Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte, and says that other party members want him to stand.

He is calling for a more vocal and independent head of state, and says the presidency needs to be more than just an "extension of Bórd Fáilte".