Dana begins new chapter

FORMER Irish MEP and singer Dana Scallon last night launched a book of her life story during a glittering reception hosted by Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley.

The ex-Eurovision song contest winner from Derry was joined by guests from the worlds of politics and showbusiness whom she met during her 35-year career.

She won the 1970 song contest with All Kinds of Everything, a worldwide hit which gave its name to her autobiography.

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume and comedian Frank Carson were present for the launch.

The former popstar said: “It has been a journey, it has been sometimes a very emotional journey in writing it. There were tears shed for the emotional times, the people that we can no longer turn to, my father for example, and happier times.

“I have tried to share openly and honestly.

“It is a new chapter I think for our country, it is a new chapter for the North, so we are all starting into a new chapter today.”

With more than 30 albums, Dana continues to write and perform contemporary Irish music. She was a Member of the European Parliament for Connacht-Ulster between 1999 and 2004.

Also among the guests were Derry DJ Gerry Anderson, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Bishop Edward Daly, who rose to prominence as a priest waving a white handkerchief for peace during the Bloody Sunday shootings dead of 14 people by British soldiers in Derry in 1972.

Mr Paisley from the Democratic Unionist Party said Dana was a woman of great faith.

“I think we are proud no matter what part of Northern Ireland or southern Ireland that we come from, that she is a part of this island and a part of ourselves,” he said.

“I wish that when everyone on this island reads this book I hope they ponder what it says,” Mr Paisley added.