Dana returns to the presidential ring

DANA ROSEMARY Scallon insisted she would stand for president on a platform of “love and respect” as her late entry threw the race into further turmoil.

Best known politically for her strident anti-abortion views, the former MEP said she had not left it too late to gain the 20 Oireachtas nominations needed to get on the ballot paper for the October 27 showdown.

The Eurovision winner claimed to have the backing of some Independents, but refused to reveal how many, as she admitted that Fianna Fáil members being given a free hand to back who they choose would aid her significantly.