Dana ditched as Norris struggles

DANA’s presidential hopes were blown out of the water, while David Norris was left gasping for air by the decision not to let Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members nominate candidates for the Áras.

The messy compromise imposed by an embattled Micheál Martin in order to try and ease mounting tensions over his leadership style and presidential policy shifts will have far reaching repercussions.

While Dana’s late entry into the race meant she would always struggle to get on the ballot paper, Senator Norris had been trying to personally lobby Mr Martin to swing crucial Fianna Fáil support behind his relaunched push for the presidency.