FG council members rebel to back Dana

DANA was given a slim hope of making it to a presidential election when Galway City Council backed her yesterday after the three Fine Gael members broke ranks to vote for her.

It was the first time a local authority came out in favour of her attempt to challenge President Mary McAleese. She now needs another three county councils Mayo, Leitrim and Laois to support her by next Friday's closing date.

The Mayor of Galway, Labour's Catherine Connolly, said that it was the "highest form of bullying" which was preventing Dana from getting the necessary nominations to contest the election.