Norris to seek council backing after McGrath declines to nominate

A series of crucial council meetings is due to take place between today and Wednesday, which look set to finalise the line up for the Presidential election.

It follows the decision by Independent TD Mattie McGrath last night not to nominate Senator David Norris.

A motion of support for the Senator was defeated by 53 votes to 18, at a meeting of 71 of the Tipperary South deputy's constituents.

Deputy McGrath says his supporters did not want him to nominate Senator Norris for a variety of reasons.

"These are my electorate," he said. "They'll be going knocking on doors for me next time around, and that was their view.

"They don't mind him (Senator Norris) being on it (the ballot paper). They have nothing against David Norris. But not for me to put him on it."

It means that the Senator is still two signatures shy of the 20 Oireachtas members needed to get on the ballot paper.

Senator Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon will now be vying for council support at a number of meetings over the coming days, with the deadline for nominations falling on Wednesday.

Today, councillors in Laois, Carlow and Roscommon will discuss both their prospects.

Their colleagues in South Dublin will only consider Senator Norris.

Tomorrow, the pair will compete for support in Waterford.

Senator Norris will be considered by Cork County and Dublin City, while councillors in Donegal, Westmeath, Cavan and Longford consider Ms Scallon.

Kilkenny will decide on Wednesday.

Both would-be candidates need four councils to qualify, and Senator Norris is ahead in that race, with the support of Fingal already secured.