Dana ponders second Áras bid

EUROVISION winner and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scanlon is considering entering the race for the presidency, her family has confirmed.

Her brother, who managed her previous campaigns, said she was holidaying in Los Angeles and would make a decision upon her return about a bid for the Áras.

Pressure has mounted on her to run after the collapse of the presidential bid by independent senator David Norris, said John Brown.

“She’s not ruling anything in or out. She’s under pressure to run and has been for weeks and in recent days. There’s a huge democratic deficit out there.

“She is visiting friends in Los Angeles for two weeks and will decide when home. I spoke to her and it is something that has moved up in her decision-making process. A few politicians have also approached her about running.”

Backers indicated that Dana’s critical position on Europe’s role in Ireland would form part of her campaign.

“Her position on Europe is in challenging the possibility where you could see the total loss of Irish sovereignty,” said Mr Brown. “The constitution is more important than any European agenda.”

Despite reports that the 53-year-old may seek the backing of Oireachtas members to get a nomination, her family indicated she was more likely to push for support from local authorities.

A nomination needs the support of four councils or 20 Oireachtas members

Dana got the support of five county councils in 1997 but finished third, with over 175,000 first preference votes, behind Mary McAleese and Mary Banotti. She was subsequently elected MEP for Connacht-Ulster.

Meanwhile, independent TD Finian McGrath has said he and others may back another candidate after David Norris pulled out of the race.

Three individuals are being considered who are “outside politics and who have a strong vision of a national purpose. They must have a squeaky clean record and be respected by the public. We will decide in early September.”