Áras race opens up as Norris and SF join fray

THE presidential race has been blown wide open with Sinn Féin confirming Martin McGuinness as its candidate and David Norris announcing he will re-enter the fray.

Sinn Féin confirmed that 61-year-old Mr McGuinness, a former IRA leader in Derry, would be its nominee. He said he hoped his campaign “will give citizens the opportunity to make a stand for the new Ireland”.

His candidacy will be rubber-stamped by Sinn Féin’s ard comhairle tomorrow.