The president’s nephew has joined the local election race in Clare. Donal Higgins, nephew of President Michael D Higgins, submitted his papers to the returning officer at Clare county council on Saturday morning, ahead of the midday deadline.

Born and reared in Ballycar, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Mr Higgins is looking forward to the challenge of local politics.

Mr Higgins became involved in the Labour Party’ Shannon branch in 2011.

He campaigned in the general election for Deputy Michael McNamara and in the presidential campaign of his uncle.
This is Donal Higgins’ first time standing for election. The 35-year-old grew up on the family farm in Ballycar, where he went to school before attending St Caimin’s Community School.

Mr Higgins worked in Dell for six years before becoming unemployed. He did an internship in Zimmer in Shannon and is now a machinist with the company. Mr Higgins is currently completing a degree in science technology in University of Limerick. He is married to Michelle with two sons, Dylan and Alex.