Higgins wins presidential election nomination

Michael D Higgins will represent Labour in the forthcoming Presidential Election.

The Labour Party President won the party's nomination at a parliamentary party meeting in Dublin this afternoon.

He saw off competition from Barnardos chief Fergus Finlay and former Tipperary North County Councillor Kathleen O'Meara.

"I was confident that I had a majority," said Mr Higgins.

"But let me stress again – I was very conscious of the very strong strength of Fergus’ campaign and of Kathleen’s campaign.

"I’m very honoured, very pleased, and I intent to have a very energetic campaign that will bring me all over the country."

Addressing the congregation this afternoon, Labour Leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said the presidential election campaign will not be between the parties, it will be a campaign between the candidates and it will be for the people.