Norris backers reach 17 as deadline looms

DAVID NORRIS is on the brink of pulling off a spectacular political comeback and is within touching distance of getting on the presidential ballot paper.

The senator was last night just three shy of the 20 Oireachtas members he needs to secure a nomination before the deadline next Wednesday.

However, getting those crucial extra votes may prove difficult as Independent TD Thomas Pringle insisted he would not back him, and Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said he would not make up his mind until tomorrow.