Dana Secures Place In Presidential Race

Derry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon has secured herself a place as an official presidential candidate after receiving her fourth and final nomination.

The former Eurovision singer and ex-MEP is now the sixth official candidate for the Irish presidential election, after earlier in the day receiving the backing of Donegal County Council.

Tomorrow's 12pm deadline is now imminent for fellow Irish presidential contender, Senator David Norris as he attempts to secure one last signature from a local authority.

The Day's Events

Senator Norris and Ms Scallon went back in front of county councils this morning seeking the remaining local authority backers they both needed to enter the Presidential race.

Both candidates had to secure that support before tomorrow's noon deadline.

Dana secured the backing of a third local authority early in the day.

Donegal County Council unanimously voted in favour of the former Eurovision winner at a morning meeting.

Meanwhile Norris has managed to win the support of Waterford City Council in his bid to secure a nomination, bringing to three the number of local authorities backing him.

Senator Norris however failed to secure a nomination from Cork County Council.

The motion to nominate the senator was defeated by 20 votes to nine, with seven abstentions.

Dublin City Council are still to consider supporting him.

In other developments a shock statement was released from South Dublin council last night in which they said they might not back Senator Norris.

It is now believed Mr Norris' nomination may be decided by Fine Gael. The party's councillors had been expected to abstain in South Dublin Council, but six voted against Mr Norris, ensuring he failed to achieve a nomination.

In Dublin City Council, Fine Gael representatives are due to meet ahead of their meeting with indications that some of them too may oppose him.

A senior Fine Gael minister has insisted that there has been no direction given to councillors to block David Norris' bid to get on the ballot paper for the presidential election.

It is understood that an 11th hour meeting to be held by Killkenny County Council tomorrow morning could decide whether it is a six or seven horse race for Aras.

Some debate has erupted over county councils not backing either of the candidates.

Independent presidential candidate Sean Gallagher said these councils are blocking the democratic process.

"It's disappointing now that 21 councils have already voted and yet there are only two Independents on the ballot paper," he said.

"I really think that the democratic process is difficult enough for Independents, and we should be making it easier and fairer for Independents in the true principle of democracy."

Similarly a councillor for the Douglas area, David Boyle told RTE that he would place in motion a bid to back Senator Norris with an aim of supporting the democratic process.

He said he believed the Irish people should have their say on Senator Norris' candidacy.

Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Gay Mitchell and Martin McGuinness have already got their names locked on the ballot papers.

(LB/BMcC)