Presidential race 'marred by attacks'

Presidential hopeful Sean Gallagher fears the race for the Aras will turn into a Punch and Judy fight between political parties.

The entrepreneur said the real issues have to be debated so he and fellow Independents can get their message out for the October 27 election.

He believes the next president needs to tackle unemployment and restore Ireland’s confidence and its image abroad.

“The real issue and the real debate now needs to take place,” said Mr Gallagher.

“My concern is that now it will descend into a Punch and Judy fight of political parties defending their position or attacking others, as we’ve seen during the week, rather than a debate on the real issues.”

The latest poll has Mr Gallagher with just 11% of votes, lagging behind Independent Mary Davis and Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell, both on 13%, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, 16%, and Labour’s Michael D Higgins, 18%.

However poll topper Senator David Norris, on 21%, is still chasing the final two signatures to secure a nomination from Oireachtas colleagues after Senator Shane Ross finally agreed to sign his papers.

The spotlight is back on Independent TDs Michael Lowry and Mattie McGrath who have both appeared to suggest they would not block him.

Dana Rosemary Scallon, who got just 6% in the Sunday Business Post/Rec C poll, is also aiming to make it onto the ballot papers with the support of four local councils.

Ms Davis said the Presidential campaign has been marred by personal attack.

Fine Gael and commentators have hit out at Mr McGuinness, claiming he is not fit for the presidency because of his IRA past and refusal to attend a state dinner for the Queen.

While Mr Norris has been haunted by a letter he wrote to Israeli authorities appealing for leniency for his ex-partner who was convicted of statutory rape.

Ms Davis said: “We believe that the Irish people are tired of attack politics and personal abuse.

“We believe this election should be about ideas and vision.”