Seven Make It Onto Presidential Ballot

There will be seven candidates contesting the Irish Republic's Presidential election when the nominations close at noon today.

Independent Senator Norris was the last hopeful to get on the ballot paper following an eleventh-hour scramble for votes before Dublin City councillors.

Mr Norris, whose campaign has been shrouded in controversy over clemency letters he wrote for an ex-partner convicted of statutory rape, said: "If I can make this kind of comeback I hope to God as President I'll be able to help the country make the kind of comeback that it and its people deserve."

Just hours earlier former Eurovision winner, Dana Rosemary Scallon, became the sixth candidate to be formally nominated to stand for the Presidency.

The ex-MEP was made the sixth official candidate for the Irish presidential election, after receiving the backing of Donegal County Council.

They join Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell, Labour's Michael D Higgins, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness and Independents Mary Davis and Seán Gallagher in the race to succeed President Mary McAleese.

While Mr Mitchell, Mr Higgins and Mr McGuinness had the firm backing of their parties, the four independents needed to secure the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members or majority support of four county councils each.

Ms Davis, the former head of Special Olympics Europe, and entrepreneur Mr Gallagher,star of 'Dragons’ Den',secured local authority backing weeks ago.

The first presidential debate is due to take place on RTÉ's News at One programme this afternoon.

(LB/CD)