Higgins: Presidential nomination system 'archaic'

Labour's Presidential candidate Michael D Higgins has said the system of nominating somebody to run for the Aras is "archaic".

Mr Higgins said he is opposed to ageism in all forms and believes the requirement that somebody be 35 or over should be abolished.

He also believes the system of Oireachtas members or local authorities nominating candidates should change, so allowing maybe 10,000 to 20,000 public signatures count.

Mr Higgins said: "If elected, I will participate in the Government's planned convention on changing the Constitution next year."