Carlow votes for Dana

David Norris has failed in his bid to receive a presidential nomination from Carlow County Council.

The council this afternoon opted to back Dana Rosemary Scallon after a tied vote.

With councillors split 5-5 between the two, the Fine Gael chairman of the council, Thomas Kinsella, used his casting vote to offer Dana the council's support.

The latest development leaves Senator Norris with the support of two of the four local authorities needed.

South Dublin County Council is meeting later and is expected to be in the Norris camp.

Later this afternoon Dana is widely expected to pick up a nomination from Roscommon County Council, with Donegal and Longford also predicted to sign for the former Eurovision winner tomorrow.

Nominations from Cork and Kilkenny councils are also up for grabs – both meet tomorrow.