Davis support grows as Norris and Gallagher struggle

INDEPENDENT presidential candidate Mary Davis looks guaranteed to make it to the ballot paper this autumn after securing the support of two more councils, Kerry and north Tipperary.

The Special Olympics chief had already received indications of support from elected representatives in her native Mayo, Monaghan, Limerick and Louth.

Yesterday, she received an overwhelming vote of councillors at Kerry County Council at their meeting.

There was disappointment though for Senator David Norris who suffered another major setback in the race for the Áras after failing to secure the support of yet another local authority.

Speaking to councillors at the meeting in Tralee, Ms Davis said she offered something tangible in the unpredictable times Ireland now faces.

She promised the chamber that she would be the practical president the country needs.

“I strongly believe that we have the power and ability to renew ourselves as a nation. I want to rebuild and repair the good name of Ireland internationally.

In my travels abroad I have seen how the reputation has become tarnished. I would like to bring my energy and dynamism to the role of president.”

While initial support from Fingal County Council gave a boost to the Norris camp he failed to garner support among Kerry councillors. He received just two votes from Labour’s Terry O’Brien and Sinn Féin’s Toireasa Ferris. The pair had also proposed and seconded his inclusion in the vote.

Entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Sean Gallagher received just a single vote.

Mr Norris told councillors he accepts that some of his views had at times been contentious, but stressed that he was not asking for their vote as president, merely the opportunity to put himself before the voting.

“All my life I have been knocking to be let in, not just for myself but for those I represent. Now, again, I am knocking. You have the keys, you can let me in, I ask you to do so,” he said.

Kerry County Council cannot act to formally ratify a candidate for the presidential election until a returning officer is officially nominated in September.

However, yesterday’s vote puts their support firmly behind Ms Davis.