Twists, turns and false starts ... and Áras race has only begun

FOR a job that’s routinely criticised as powerless and pointless, there has been no shortage of applicants for the presidency — and no shortage of political intrigue and drama either.

When the deadline for nominations closes at noon today, there will be seven candidates in the race.

A month ago, it looked like there would be only five, as David Norris had withdrawn from the race and Dana hadn’t even entered it yet.