Five different county councils have today rejected appeals by former MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon for nominations to contest the presidential election.
Ms Scallon needs the support of four councils and has ten days to secure this before nominations for the presidency close on October 1st. It is understood she has written to a large number of councils seeking their support.
This evening Longford County Council became the latest to refuse to grant her request. The council voted by 18 to 2 not to include her letter on the council's extended agenda in today's meeting. The decision effectively means her plea has been rejected. Longford was one of the four councils that supported Dana's nomination in the last presidential election seven years ago.
Last night, Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny reminded his party's councillors that it was party policy to support incumbent President Mary McAleese and not to nominate Ms Scallon.
Monaghan and North Tipperary County Councils also rejected Ms Scallon's request for their nomination today. Earlier Kerry County Council rejected a motion to nominate Ms Scallon by 14 votes to eight.
Ms Scallon, in Tralee to push for support, claimed there was a conspiracy by the establishment to ensure she does not succeed in her bid to run against President McAleese.
Meanwhile, members of Kilkenny County Council decided today against allowing Ms Scallon to address them. Ms Scallon faxed a letter to the council last week asking for a special meeting.
It is understood members of Carlow County Council are considering a bid to support Ms Scallon tonight. Donegal County Council is also expected to raise the issue next week.
Galway, Mayo and Roscommon County Councils have already voted against nominating Ms Scallon.
Nominations for the presidency close on October 1st and the weekend withdrawal of Mr Eamon Ryan of the Green Party and Labour's decision last week not to run Mr Michael D. Higgins leaves Dana as the only person seeking a nomination to run.
However heritage campaigner Mr Vincent Salafia said today he is seeking political support to fight Mrs Mary McAleese for the presidency.
Mr Salafia said he would be asking TDs and Senators to back his nomination. He needs the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members to stand against Mrs McAleese.
A US-trained lawyer, he has campaigned against the construction of the M3 motorway in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co Meath. Mr Salafia has also fought a number of legal battles in the High Court against the destruction of Carrickmines Castle in Co Dublin to make way for the M50 motorway.
Mr Salafia said he decided to seek nomination after Green Party TD Eamon Ryan pulled out of the running after a meeting with the party's National Executive. The lawyer said heritage protection would be the key issue. But he will also campaign on planning issues, corruption, economic policy, foreign investment and social welfare.
He said there was constitutional imperative on the State to protect Irish heritage, and with that culture.
Additional reporting PA
