Higgins aims to tackle Ireland's reputation if elected president

Michael D Higgins has said there are limitations to the office of the President, but tackling Ireland's reputation is an achievable feat.

He was speaking after being named as Labour's candidate for the Presidential Election in Dublin yesterday afternoon.

The party president won the vote on the first count, surpassing the quota by five votes, comfortably beating Fergus Finlay and Kathleen O'Meara.

Mr Higgins said, as President, he would address Ireland's reputation and would facilitate a forum for discussions on the issues affecting the country.