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.

Ms Scallon is battling with a resurgent David Norris and potential and unofficial Fianna Fáil candidate Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú to mop up remaining Independent nominations after the entry into the race by Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness reduced the number still available.

Ms Scallon, who came third in the 1997 presidential battle, said it was in the interest of equality to have another woman candidate.

“There is room in Ireland for people who have values and take decisions based on a moral judgement. People must not feel unrepresented — that is not a democracy.

“In a diverse society like ours we need real liberalism, not intolerance that discriminates.

“Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to be free to express their opinions and values.

“I am calling on those members of the Oireachtas to grant me a nomination, so that the people of Ireland can decide.

“In the interest of equality I ask that members of the Oireachtas make room for a second woman.”

Ms Scallon said she was concerned that families now had to choose between paying the mortgage and providing food for their children as the economic downturn continues to bite.

Ms Scallon finished ahead of the Labour candidate in 1997, securing over 175,000 first-preference votes and a 14% share, coming in behind Mary Banotti and the eventual winner, Mary McAleese.

But after securing a seat in the European Parliament in 1999, Ms Scallon’s bid to gain a Dáil seat in the 2002 election ended badly.

Ms Scallon opposed the Nice Treaty and saw it defeated in a referendum the first time, though a second vote saw a majority back it.

The Derry native shot to fame after winning the 1970 Eurovision Song Contest with All Kinds Of Everything.