Mitchell A 'Fantastic Candidate' Say FG

Presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell has remained upbeat despite his poor ranking in the latest polls.

The Fine Gael candidate defended his low poll ratings stating he has the most experience, energy and innovation for the post.

Meanwhile Fine Gael (FG) has assured Mr Mitchell that he has their full support.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter said: "Mr Mitchell was a serious person, whose extensive experience would provide, I believe as President, very critical support to the government's focus on restoring our international reputation, but also tackling the jobs crisis."

Minister Shatter added that he believed that Mr Mitchell is a "fantastic candidate" and "an individual of enormous integrity".

This reassurance follows the latest Ipso MRBI poll which saw Fine Gael candidate Mr Mitchell tumbling 12 points to 9% as voters appeared turned off by his combative attacks on rival Martin McGuinness.

Fine Gael are refuting claims that some members of the party believe Gay Mitchell's chances for the Presidency are "doomed".

Many political analysts have argued in recent days that his attack on McGuinness' background may not have gone down well with the electorate.

McGuinness came under fire from fellow candidate Mr Mitchell, once again for his connection to the IRA, during the second electoral debate aired on TV3.

The battle for the presidency has now been billed as a two-horse race after separate polls put Labour's Michael D Higgins in front with 'Dragon's Den' star Sean Gallagher a close second.

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness remains third, with independents Senator David Norris, Mary Davis and Dana Rosemary Scallon lagging behind.

Meanwhile today is the deadline for voters to get their names on to the Supplementary Register of Electors for the forthcoming Presidential election, the Dublin West by-election and referendums. Voting will take place on October 27.

(LB/GK)