28/09/2011
Seven Make It Onto Ballot
There will be seven candidates contesting the 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)
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)
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22 September 2011
'17 Down And Three To Go' For Norris
With less than a week to go, Senator David Norris, has to secure only three signatures to place him on Ireland's Presidential ballot papers. Senator Norris is expected to make further contact with TDs and Senators today as part of his attempt to run for President. There are two options open to Mr Norris.
'17 Down And Three To Go' For Norris
With less than a week to go, Senator David Norris, has to secure only three signatures to place him on Ireland's Presidential ballot papers. Senator Norris is expected to make further contact with TDs and Senators today as part of his attempt to run for President. There are two options open to Mr Norris.
29 September 2011
First Debate For Presidential Candidates
The race to become Ireland’s ninth president is underway with a record seven candidates vying for the job. All seven candidates took part in the first Presidential debate of the campaign on RTÉ yesterday. They set out their arguments as to why they should be elected Ireland's ninth President.
First Debate For Presidential Candidates
The race to become Ireland’s ninth president is underway with a record seven candidates vying for the job. All seven candidates took part in the first Presidential debate of the campaign on RTÉ yesterday. They set out their arguments as to why they should be elected Ireland's ninth President.
21 September 2011
Norris Secures 12 Backers
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
Norris Secures 12 Backers
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
28 October 2011
Counting Underway In Presidential Election
Counting of the ballots, to decide the next President of Ireland,is underway but it is understood that it could be tomorrow before the results are revealed. The results from the first counts in the 43 constituencies are expected early in the evening or, depending on the official turnout, later tonight.
Counting Underway In Presidential Election
Counting of the ballots, to decide the next President of Ireland,is underway but it is understood that it could be tomorrow before the results are revealed. The results from the first counts in the 43 constituencies are expected early in the evening or, depending on the official turnout, later tonight.
07 October 2011
Dana Claims US Citizenship 'No Problem'
Criticism over independent Presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon becoming a US citizen nearly 15 years ago has erupted again. Scallon has said she never mentioned that she became a US citizen prior to the 1997 presidential election because she "didn't think it would be a problem".
Dana Claims US Citizenship 'No Problem'
Criticism over independent Presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon becoming a US citizen nearly 15 years ago has erupted again. Scallon has said she never mentioned that she became a US citizen prior to the 1997 presidential election because she "didn't think it would be a problem".