McAleese: Unopposed term looking almost certain

The deadline for presidential nominations will close today, with Mary McAleese almost certain to be returned for a second term unopposed.

Despite a flurry of activity in recent weeks, no potential candidate had managed to secure the necessary backing as the deadline approached.

The lack of support for an alternative contender resulted in much criticism of the democratic process, with hopefuls claiming their chances had been purposefully blocked to avoid an election.

Mrs McAleese is expected to be inaugurated on November 11, and will return to the Áras for another seven years.

The struggle to secure a nomination has seen many twists and turns. Green Party TD Eamon Ryan caused a stir, not least within his own party, when he announced his own intentions to run.

The Greens expressed concern about the huge costs of an election as well as the difficulty of getting 20 signatures of support from the members of the Oireachtas.

With only six TDs in the Dáil, party chiefs were worried about having to rely on Labour for crucial backing. The party’s National Executive eventually gave Mr Ryan the go-ahead, but Mr Ryan suddenly announced his decision to pull out of the race.

Meanwhile, a row was brewing in the Labour camp, subsequently leading to one of Pat Rabbitte’s worst weeks as party leader.

Veteran TD Michael D Higgins had always been open about his wish to contest the presidency.

But when it came to party support, Mr Rabbitte’s reluctance led to a vote of the party’s National Executive. The 36-strong council voted against fielding the Galway West TD by just one vote.

Mr Rabbitte later denied a rift in the party and dismissed claims that the one-vote majority represented its “shambolic” approach to a potential election.

The last contender, who campaigned down to the wire, was former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon.

Her attempts to gain support from four county councils were blocked at every turn, one council after another voting against her.

Earlier this week Ms Scallon played her last card, writing an urgent letter to all TDs and Senators.

It called for support on the basis that the president should be elected by the people in a democratic contest.

Although the former Eurovision winner successfully secured some support she has criticised party leaders including Fine Gael’s Enda Kenny, claiming he had issued orders to local councillors and warning them not to support other candidates.

She claimed that 14 years without a presidential election was too long and unhealthy for democracy.

The possibility of an election also saw a few other unlikely candidates throw their hats into the ring, despite having little chance of success.

Heritage campaigner Vincent Salafia attempted to whip up the required support. He has helped fight a number of legal battles in the High Court against the partial destruction of Carrickmines Castle in Co Dublin to make way for the M50 motorway.

Mayo teacher Gráinne Conroy also made a last minute bid for signatures by approaching TDs as they strolled around the Dáil, but had little success.