Dana defends use of Constitution as a ‘prop’

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon has defended her decision to produce a copy of the Constitution at public events saying “it isn’t a prop for me, it is a prop for the entire country”.

The independent candidate said she brandishes the document regularly as “it protects the people”.

“The only reason that I bring it around is because it protects people. For far too long people haven’t realised that. The Constitution has been left on the bottom shelf gathering dust. The rights of the people have not been protected, the right for a say in the bank guarantee, a right for a say in the bailout or for a say in what is happening to our budget now it is under the control of people we didn’t elect,” she said.

She denied that she might have problems keeping her personal opinions to herself if elected to the Áras.

“All I have ever said, whether in relation to the presidency or the European Parliament, has always been in tune with the Constitution of this country. I have never said or done anything that wavered from that. I have always been truer to the Constitution and to the rights of the people than any other party representative or independent representative. And I think people know that and they know they can trust me. If I have taken a stand, it’s been on their behalf,” she said.

Dana was in Cork yesterday as part of her presidential campaign. She visited the English Market and later a 51-bed St Vincent de Paul hostel for homeless men in Deer Park. She met with a number of the men living at the hostel and was shown around the facilities.

“The work of St Vincent de Paul is more vital than ever in these difficult economic days for families. Deer Park House is one of 19 hostels that SVP runs throughout the country. This is a first class facility, with dedicated staff and volunteers, who care for some of the most at risk in society. SVP maintain the dignity of each person at the most difficult time in their lives, with this facility providing all necessary support to restore the person to self-sufficiency,” she said.

Dana also defended her lack of political experience saying she was a “political groundbreaker” and throughout her singing career had been an ambassador for the country.

“I was the first woman elected as an MEP for Connacht Ulster. I was the first to bring together an independent coalition against Nice. There were people who were councillors back then who signed up who have since become TDs on the back of that,” she said. “I have also been an ambassador for this country meeting people from all across the arts. For 41 years, I have met with people from the world of film, arts, business, and the literary world.”