Menu
13/10/2011
Dana May Ditch Irish Presidential Bid Over 'Malicious Claims'
The seven Irish Presidential candidates have last night taken part in their third TV debate with independent candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon taking the spotlight this time - to deny "false" allegations made against her family - and to hint she may withdraw if the issue escalates.
During the debate aired on RTE's Prime Time Tonight Derry's Ms Scallon (pictured) said that it had been brought to her attention that new allegations of "a most untrue, malicious and vile nature" had been leveled against a family member.
She declared a wish not to 'give in to malicious intent', but that she has expressed an intention to pull out of the race if more allegations are made.
The announcement made toward the end of the debate left heads spinning when the independent candidate read from a prepared statement and refused to go into detail about the allegations.
The debate's host, Miriam O'Callaghan pressed Londonderry native, Dana about the bizarre statement but she would only go as far to say attempts were being made to "implicate her and destroy her good character".
It is understood that the statement followed a possible story that newspapers had got hold of, but for now it seems the story will not be published for legal reasons.
Ms Scallon said: "Let it be known that lawyers have already been instructed to forensically investigate a particular communication disseminating this vile and false accusation.
"We have now been advised that all possible lines of enquiry are being pursued with prosecution authorities in the United States.
"May I assure the Irish people that I will leave no stone unturned to expose the malicious intent at the heart of these untrue allegations."
Ms Scallon's campaign had previously been rocked by reports that she applied for and was granted US citizenship in the 1990s.
The Debate
The debate itself focused on Presidential power and other issues.
Along with Dana independents Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher and David Norris, Fine Gael candidate Gay Mitchell, Labour's Michael D Higgins and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein took part in the debate.
Mr McGuinness' IRA past came under scrutiny again as the debate turned to issues of faith, with Ms O'Callaghan asking him how he squared his religious beliefs with having been "involved in the murder of so many people".
Trial By Television
Mr McGuinness later claimed that the TV debate for him amounted to "trial by television".
The Sinn Fein candidate said he was upset after being called a murderer and felt the debate was handled badly - and in his words - "totally out of order".
"I was accused of being a murderer. That was wrong," said Mr McGuinness adding that he was then "subject to a show trial on television.
"Miriam went round all the other candidates and asked each and every one of them if I was suitable to be a president.
"She didn't ask me if I thought any of them were suitable for the President of Ireland."
Mr McGuinness' IRA past came under scrutiny again as the debate turned to issues of faith, with the debate's host, Ms O'Callaghan, asking him how he squared his religious beliefs with having been "involved in the murder of so many people".
McGuinness has denied a mounting argument between himself and the debate's host but he admitted he demanded a one-on-one meeting with Ms O'Callaghan after the show.
He said: "It was low key with no raised voices."
Meanwhile Ms Davis and Mr Mitchell disagreed about the role of the Presidency after candidates were asked to express an opinion on whether the role is a political one.
The Fine Gael candidate said anyone who does not think it is a political role misunderstands the position, telling Ms Davis that she belongs in that category.
Mr Higgins said there is "room for confusion" in the powers and said the President's discretionary powers could be open to legal interpretation.
(LB/BMcC)
During the debate aired on RTE's Prime Time Tonight Derry's Ms Scallon (pictured) said that it had been brought to her attention that new allegations of "a most untrue, malicious and vile nature" had been leveled against a family member.
She declared a wish not to 'give in to malicious intent', but that she has expressed an intention to pull out of the race if more allegations are made.
The announcement made toward the end of the debate left heads spinning when the independent candidate read from a prepared statement and refused to go into detail about the allegations.
The debate's host, Miriam O'Callaghan pressed Londonderry native, Dana about the bizarre statement but she would only go as far to say attempts were being made to "implicate her and destroy her good character".
It is understood that the statement followed a possible story that newspapers had got hold of, but for now it seems the story will not be published for legal reasons.
Ms Scallon said: "Let it be known that lawyers have already been instructed to forensically investigate a particular communication disseminating this vile and false accusation.
"We have now been advised that all possible lines of enquiry are being pursued with prosecution authorities in the United States.
"May I assure the Irish people that I will leave no stone unturned to expose the malicious intent at the heart of these untrue allegations."
Ms Scallon's campaign had previously been rocked by reports that she applied for and was granted US citizenship in the 1990s.
The Debate
The debate itself focused on Presidential power and other issues.
Along with Dana independents Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher and David Norris, Fine Gael candidate Gay Mitchell, Labour's Michael D Higgins and Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein took part in the debate.
Mr McGuinness' IRA past came under scrutiny again as the debate turned to issues of faith, with Ms O'Callaghan asking him how he squared his religious beliefs with having been "involved in the murder of so many people".
Trial By Television
Mr McGuinness later claimed that the TV debate for him amounted to "trial by television".
The Sinn Fein candidate said he was upset after being called a murderer and felt the debate was handled badly - and in his words - "totally out of order".
"I was accused of being a murderer. That was wrong," said Mr McGuinness adding that he was then "subject to a show trial on television.
"Miriam went round all the other candidates and asked each and every one of them if I was suitable to be a president.
"She didn't ask me if I thought any of them were suitable for the President of Ireland."
Mr McGuinness' IRA past came under scrutiny again as the debate turned to issues of faith, with the debate's host, Ms O'Callaghan, asking him how he squared his religious beliefs with having been "involved in the murder of so many people".
McGuinness has denied a mounting argument between himself and the debate's host but he admitted he demanded a one-on-one meeting with Ms O'Callaghan after the show.
He said: "It was low key with no raised voices."
Meanwhile Ms Davis and Mr Mitchell disagreed about the role of the Presidency after candidates were asked to express an opinion on whether the role is a political one.
The Fine Gael candidate said anyone who does not think it is a political role misunderstands the position, telling Ms Davis that she belongs in that category.
Mr Higgins said there is "room for confusion" in the powers and said the President's discretionary powers could be open to legal interpretation.
(LB/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
12 October 2011
Irish Presidential Candidates Win TV Debate
Ireland's Presidential candidates - including Stormont Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, (pictured) - are getting set for their next clash, with a live TV debate tonight following a radio debate yesterday that saw two of the candidates go head-to-head.
Irish Presidential Candidates Win TV Debate
Ireland's Presidential candidates - including Stormont Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, (pictured) - are getting set for their next clash, with a live TV debate tonight following a radio debate yesterday that saw two of the candidates go head-to-head.
18 October 2011
Presidential Candidates For Debate In Irish
The seven Irish Presidential candidates are in preparation for their fourth TV debate during which they will answer questions posed in Irish - although a one-on-one debate between the two 'front-runners' has been dismissed.
Presidential Candidates For Debate In Irish
The seven Irish Presidential candidates are in preparation for their fourth TV debate during which they will answer questions posed in Irish - although a one-on-one debate between the two 'front-runners' has been dismissed.
11 October 2011
Presidential Candidates Set For Third Debate
Ireland's presidential hopefuls will go head to head later today for their third debate of the election campaign. Today FM's The Last Word is hosting the event at the Sugar Club on Dublin's Leeson Street. Presenter Matt Cooper will chair the debate, which will be broadcast live on the station from 4.30pm.
Presidential Candidates Set For Third Debate
Ireland's presidential hopefuls will go head to head later today for their third debate of the election campaign. Today FM's The Last Word is hosting the event at the Sugar Club on Dublin's Leeson Street. Presenter Matt Cooper will chair the debate, which will be broadcast live on the station from 4.30pm.
29 September 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.
'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.
-
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.
