Eventful day sees Dana and Norris get on the ballot

AFTER a roller coaster of a day which saw them race from council meeting to council meeting, Senator David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon eventually obtained four council nominations each to ensure their place in the race to the Áras.

Dana was elected by early afternoon with Offaly County Council clinching the deal for her. Carlow, Roscommon and Donegal County Councils had already given the singer their support. Westmeath County Council, however, voted against her yesterday by 10 votes to nine.

Both independent candidates needed either four council nominations or 20 Oireachtas signatures to ensure they were allowed run for the presidency.