Dark horse is failing to make late challenge

NOT so long ago, Mary Davis was the dark horse.

If anybody was to emerge from the pack and seriously challenge Michael D Higgins, the smart money said it would be Davis.

She had all the attributes required for a proper tilt at the prize. At a time of disdain for conventional politics, she is an independent. Her background is in advocating for people with disabilities through the Special Olympics, including directing the world games when they came to Ireland in 2003.