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29/09/2011
'IRA Shame' Dominates Presidential Debate
The race to become Ireland's ninth president is now underway with a record seven candidates vying for the job.
All seven candidates took part in the first Presidential debate of the campaign on RTÉ yesterday.
They set out their arguments as to why they should be elected Ireland's ninth President.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness claimed he is "ashamed" of IRA bombings.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister has been subject to much debate since he announced his plans to run for Aras.
Londonderry's Martin McGuinness said that he has "put his life on the line" for the Peace Process and that the people "would judge him for his work".
McGuinness also said he felt "ashamed" when incidents, such as the Enniskillen bombing, were carried out in the name of Irish republicanism.
He said the 1987 bombing, in which 11 people were killed at the Cenotaph, was "atrocious". He also again denied he was a senior figure in the IRA at the time.
"I also want to be seen as a peace-maker and someone who continued to keep the doors of Aras an Uachtarain open for unionists and loyalists and for victims of the conflict," he said.
Accused
Senator David Norris discussed controversial letters of clemency he wrote on behalf of his former partner, who was accused of statutory rape.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has increased the pressure on Senator David Norris to publish the letters.
Mr Kenny said all candidates have "a duty to be up-front with the electorate" during the Presidential campaign.
Senator Norris wrote seven letters to various public officials in defence of his former partner accused of statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy.
Six of the letters remain unpublished and Senator Norris has said he cannot reveal their contents "for legal reasons".
Independent Mary Davis said she was standing on her track record on what she has achieved over 30 years involved with the Special Olympics.
Fellow Independent Seán Gallagher said he wanted to bring new confidence back into the country and deal with what he called the most relevant current issues of unemployment, emigration and lack of confidence.
Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell said he would work with the government of the day to ensure that the country takes the right direction at what he called a crucial time.
Labour's Michael D Higgins said he has the stamina and energy to serve as President and that he is running a vigorous campaign.
Derry-born independent, Dana Rosemary Scallon said she took a position against the bishops in the abortion referendum because they and the public were not fully informed. She said she has always promoted the Irish people's rights.
(LB/GK)
All seven candidates took part in the first Presidential debate of the campaign on RTÉ yesterday.
They set out their arguments as to why they should be elected Ireland's ninth President.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness claimed he is "ashamed" of IRA bombings.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister has been subject to much debate since he announced his plans to run for Aras.
Londonderry's Martin McGuinness said that he has "put his life on the line" for the Peace Process and that the people "would judge him for his work".
McGuinness also said he felt "ashamed" when incidents, such as the Enniskillen bombing, were carried out in the name of Irish republicanism.
He said the 1987 bombing, in which 11 people were killed at the Cenotaph, was "atrocious". He also again denied he was a senior figure in the IRA at the time.
"I also want to be seen as a peace-maker and someone who continued to keep the doors of Aras an Uachtarain open for unionists and loyalists and for victims of the conflict," he said.
Accused
Senator David Norris discussed controversial letters of clemency he wrote on behalf of his former partner, who was accused of statutory rape.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has increased the pressure on Senator David Norris to publish the letters.
Mr Kenny said all candidates have "a duty to be up-front with the electorate" during the Presidential campaign.
Senator Norris wrote seven letters to various public officials in defence of his former partner accused of statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy.
Six of the letters remain unpublished and Senator Norris has said he cannot reveal their contents "for legal reasons".
Independent Mary Davis said she was standing on her track record on what she has achieved over 30 years involved with the Special Olympics.
Fellow Independent Seán Gallagher said he wanted to bring new confidence back into the country and deal with what he called the most relevant current issues of unemployment, emigration and lack of confidence.
Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell said he would work with the government of the day to ensure that the country takes the right direction at what he called a crucial time.
Labour's Michael D Higgins said he has the stamina and energy to serve as President and that he is running a vigorous campaign.
Derry-born independent, Dana Rosemary Scallon said she took a position against the bishops in the abortion referendum because they and the public were not fully informed. She said she has always promoted the Irish people's rights.
(LB/GK)
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05 October 2011
Irish Presidential Candidates Clash Again
The Irish Republic's Presidential candidates clashed again last night in the second TV debate, which was aired on TV3. Martin McGuinness came under fire from fellow candidate Gay Mitchell, once again for his connection to the IRA, while the debate’s host Vincent Browne also attacked the Sinn Fein candidate. Mr.
Irish Presidential Candidates Clash Again
The Irish Republic's Presidential candidates clashed again last night in the second TV debate, which was aired on TV3. Martin McGuinness came under fire from fellow candidate Gay Mitchell, once again for his connection to the IRA, while the debate’s host Vincent Browne also attacked the Sinn Fein candidate. Mr.
23 September 2011
Derry's Dana Continues Presidential Ballot Bid
Londonderry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon now looks likely to seek support from county councils around the Irish Republic, with Donegal and Longford already expected to back her bid for the Irish Presidency. Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Gay Mitchell and Martin McGuinness have already got their names locked on the ballot papers.
Derry's Dana Continues Presidential Ballot Bid
Londonderry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon now looks likely to seek support from county councils around the Irish Republic, with Donegal and Longford already expected to back her bid for the Irish Presidency. Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Gay Mitchell and Martin McGuinness have already got their names locked on the ballot papers.
21 September 2011
Norris Supported In Irish Presidential Race
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
Norris Supported In Irish Presidential Race
Independent Senator David Norris has secured the backing of 12 Oireachtas members, just over half of what he needs to gain a place on Presidential ballot papers in the Irish Republic. Senator Katherine Zappone and TD Richard Boyd Barrett are among the parliamentarians to sign Senator Norris's nomination papers.
27 September 2011
Dana Secures Place In Presidential Race
Derry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon has secured herself a place as an official presidential candidate after receiving her fourth and final nomination. The former Eurovision singer and ex-MEP is now the sixth official candidate for the Irish presidential election, after earlier in the day receiving the backing of Donegal County Council.
Dana Secures Place In Presidential Race
Derry's own Dana Rosemary Scallon has secured herself a place as an official presidential candidate after receiving her fourth and final nomination. The former Eurovision singer and ex-MEP is now the sixth official candidate for the Irish presidential election, after earlier in the day receiving the backing of Donegal County Council.
17 October 2011
Irish Presidential Candidate 'Rejects Poll'
Fine Gael's Irish Presidential candidate Gay Mitchell has discarded the findings of the latest opinion poll while fellow Labour candidate Michael D Higgins has rejected claims that he is too old to run for Aras. The Red C Poll published in Sunday's Business Post showed Mr Mitchell having dropped a further two points, since the last poll, to 8%.
Irish Presidential Candidate 'Rejects Poll'
Fine Gael's Irish Presidential candidate Gay Mitchell has discarded the findings of the latest opinion poll while fellow Labour candidate Michael D Higgins has rejected claims that he is too old to run for Aras. The Red C Poll published in Sunday's Business Post showed Mr Mitchell having dropped a further two points, since the last poll, to 8%.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
