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27/10/2011
Polls Open For Presidential Election
The race for Aras has ended as polls opened across the country at 7am this morning and will remain open until 10pm tonight.
The ballot will decide who will become the ninth president of Ireland- the successful candidate will take over from Mary McAleese who was elected in 1997.
Seven candidates are contesting the presidential election, a record number.
Today’s polling has come at the end of what has been described as one of the most divisive and bitter campaigns.
It was described as "negative" by independent candidate Mary Davis with candidates being attacked over their pasts.
Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has been plagued with questions and accusations about his IRA past.
Meanwhile Senator David Norris appeared to lose support after being continually questioned about clemency letters he wrote on behalf of his former lover, who was accused of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy.
Dana Rosemary Scallon came under fire about her US citizenship and caused a stir when she made statement to deny "false" allegations made against her family.
Most recently the poll 'favourite' Sean Gallagher has admitted that he 'may have delivered a cheque from a fuel smuggler' to Fianna Fail headquarters three years ago causing fresh criticism.
Gallagher had already faced a barrage of criticism from the other six presidential candidates over his political background and business deals, including a bookkeeping error over a lodged €89,000 cheque when the new accusation was launched.
It will be an eager wait for the seven hopefuls and it may Friday or even Saturday before the next president of Ireland is named.
Meanwhile the poll will also be used decide on two constitutional referendums and to elect a TD to Dáil Éireann in Dublin West.
Referendums will include one on cutting judicial pay, the other on whether to give Oireachtas Committees powers of investigation.
Once polls close tonight, ballot boxes will be secured, before counting begins across the country tomorrow.
Just over 3.1 million people are entitled to vote.
(LB/GK)
The ballot will decide who will become the ninth president of Ireland- the successful candidate will take over from Mary McAleese who was elected in 1997.
Seven candidates are contesting the presidential election, a record number.
Today’s polling has come at the end of what has been described as one of the most divisive and bitter campaigns.
It was described as "negative" by independent candidate Mary Davis with candidates being attacked over their pasts.
Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has been plagued with questions and accusations about his IRA past.
Meanwhile Senator David Norris appeared to lose support after being continually questioned about clemency letters he wrote on behalf of his former lover, who was accused of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy.
Dana Rosemary Scallon came under fire about her US citizenship and caused a stir when she made statement to deny "false" allegations made against her family.
Most recently the poll 'favourite' Sean Gallagher has admitted that he 'may have delivered a cheque from a fuel smuggler' to Fianna Fail headquarters three years ago causing fresh criticism.
Gallagher had already faced a barrage of criticism from the other six presidential candidates over his political background and business deals, including a bookkeeping error over a lodged €89,000 cheque when the new accusation was launched.
It will be an eager wait for the seven hopefuls and it may Friday or even Saturday before the next president of Ireland is named.
Meanwhile the poll will also be used decide on two constitutional referendums and to elect a TD to Dáil Éireann in Dublin West.
Referendums will include one on cutting judicial pay, the other on whether to give Oireachtas Committees powers of investigation.
Once polls close tonight, ballot boxes will be secured, before counting begins across the country tomorrow.
Just over 3.1 million people are entitled to vote.
(LB/GK)
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10 October 2011
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.
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.
20 October 2011
Dana Tyre Damage 'Not Unusual'
Experts have said that the damaged tyre on the campaign car used by the Irish Republic's Presidential candiate Dana Rosemary Scallon was consistent with the car having been driven on a flat tyre. Fastfit and Advance Pitstop - have said the damage did not appear "unusual" and it didn't appear to be "mischievous damage".
Dana Tyre Damage 'Not Unusual'
Experts have said that the damaged tyre on the campaign car used by the Irish Republic's Presidential candiate Dana Rosemary Scallon was consistent with the car having been driven on a flat tyre. Fastfit and Advance Pitstop - have said the damage did not appear "unusual" and it didn't appear to be "mischievous damage".
03 October 2011
Mitchell To Officially Launch Campaign
Fine Gael's Presidential candidate, Gay Mitchell, will officially launch his campaign today, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny by his side. The launch comes just hours after senior Fine Gael members made disparaging comments about Sinn Fein Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness.
Mitchell To Officially Launch Campaign
Fine Gael's Presidential candidate, Gay Mitchell, will officially launch his campaign today, with Taoiseach Enda Kenny by his side. The launch comes just hours after senior Fine Gael members made disparaging comments about Sinn Fein Presidential candidate Martin McGuinness.
06 September 2011
FG Begins Two-day 'Think-In'
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will gather the special Fine Gael Parliamentary Party today in the latest gathering before the Dail term opens next week. The Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will begin a two-day 'think-in' this afternoon in Galway, while Labour concludes theirs in Carlow.
FG Begins Two-day 'Think-In'
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will gather the special Fine Gael Parliamentary Party today in the latest gathering before the Dail term opens next week. The Fine Gael Parliamentary Party will begin a two-day 'think-in' this afternoon in Galway, while Labour concludes theirs in Carlow.
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".
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Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered sleet and snow showers will turn increasingly heavy and more frequent in the afternoon across the north. Largely dry with sunny spells in the south, but showers spreading here towards the end of the day. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
