Dana Rosemary Scallon arrived at the council chambers in Mullingar just as the vote on backing her presidential bid had ended.

Council vote in vain as Dana gets all kinds of support elsewhere

Published: Tue 27 Sep 2011, 3:17 PM

Last updated: Tue 27 Sep 2011, 4:16 PM

Westmeath's county councillors - with the casting vote of cathaoirleach Mark Cooney - decided against backing Dana Rosemary Scallon in her bid to run for the presidency this afternoon (Tuesday).In the end, Dana didn't need the support of Westmeath. She had stopped off first in Tullamore, to seek the support of Offaly County Council, and received word just before arriving in Westmeath that Offaly's councillors had given her the support she needed.Dana was not in Mullingar in time for the voting, nor to hear herself nominated for backing by Cllr Frankie Keena, seconded by Cllr Ken Glynn.Cllr Frank McDermott, on behalf of Fine Gael, pointed out that the council had rejected prior requests from other candidates, while Cllr Mick Dollard expressed similar views. When it came to the vote, it went 9/9 - and the cathaoirleach had to give his casting vote.Cllr Dan McCarthy of Labour broke party ranks to support her, something that Cllr Mick Dollard said had caused him disappointment.The votes in favour were seven Fianna Fail, Cllr McCarthy's and that of Independent Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. Against were five Fine Gael and four Labour councillors.Five members of the council were not present for the meeting.