Alice Mary Higgins has said she is in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment

An independent candidate seeking one of three NUI seats in the Seanad has said she is in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment.

Alice Mary Higgins, daughter of President Michael D Higgins,will be one of eight candidates, including David Begg and Michael McDowell seeking a National University of Ireland seat.

She says it is important the views of the Irish people are taken into account, when making any decisions on repealing the 8th: “What I think is important is that I personally feel from my perspective is that there is a need for free, safe and lega abortion in Ireland.

“However what I would say, I don’t put forward that legislation alone.

“The most important thing for me is that it reflects society, what society wants.”