2011 Irish presidential election

none November 2021 November 2021 2011 Irish presidential election Ireland presidential no 2004 Irish presidential election 2004 2018 Irish presidential election 2018 56.1% ( 8.5 pp)1997 election Based on the last contested election in 1997 3,191,157 2011 Irish presidential election#Opinion polls 1st preference Final count 27 October 2011 Michael D. Higgins, 2012 (cropped).jpg 133 120 160 0 5 Michael D. Higgins Labour Party (Ireland) 701,101 (39.6%) 1,007,104 (56.8%) Seán Gallagher portrait.jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Seán Gallagher Independent politician (Ireland) 504,964 (28.5%) 628,114 (35.5%) Martin McGuinness, May 2011 (5782607476) (cropped).jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin 243,030 (13.7%) Eliminated Gay Mitchell, 2014 (cropped).jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Gay Mitchell Fine Gael 113,321 (6.4%) Eliminated David Norris portrait.jpg 120 120 160 0 0 David Norris Independent politician (Ireland) 109,469 (6.2%) Eliminated Dana Rosemary Scallon, May 2004 (cropped).jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Dana Rosemary Scallon Independent politician (Ireland) 51,220 (2.9%) Eliminated Mary Davis 1.jpg 120 120 160 0 0 Mary Davis Independent politician (Ireland) 48,657 (2.7%) Eliminated President Mary McAleese Independent politician (Ireland) Michael D. Higgins Labour Party (Ireland) x300px First-preference results by Dáil constituency. A presidential election was held in Ireland on Thursday, 27 October 2011, and was contested by a record seven candidates.Voting on certain offshore islands took place on 24 and 25 October. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/voting-begins-in-presidential-election-today-2914780.html Voting begins in presidential election today 24 October 2011 Irish Independent 24 October 2011 26 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026180856/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/voting-begins-in-presidential-election-today-2914780.html live The election was held to elect a successor to Mary McAleese, with the winner to be inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland on 11 November 2011. Two constitutional referendums and a by-election for a vacant Dáil seat in the Dublin West constituency took place on the same day.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0726/breaking58.html Date set for presidential poll The Irish Times 27 July 2011 Eoin Burke-Kennedy 26 July 2011 26 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726203148/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0726/breaking58.html livehttp://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0907/dublinwest.html Dublin West by-election set for 27 October 7 October 2011 RTÉ News 8 September 2011 29 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111029035721/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0907/dublinwest.html live The seven candidates were Mary Davis, Seán Gallagher, Michael D. Higgins, Martin McGuinness, Gay Mitchell, David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon. Higgins was nominated by Labour, McGuinness by Sinn Féin and Mitchell by Fine Gael, while Independent candidates Davis, Gallagher, Norris and Scallon were nominated by local authorities. The previously dominant Fianna Fáil party declined to nominate a candidate following their disastrous general election campaign earlier that year. Michael D. Higgins was ultimately elected as president.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111028151007/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html dead 28 October 2011 RTÉ Live Election Count (Friday) 28 October 2011 RTÉ News 29 October 2011 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15488067 Irish presidential election: Michael D Higgins elected 31 October 2011 BBC News 1 November 2011 1 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111101010618/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15488067 live Higgins also became the first politician in Irish history to obtain over 700,000 first preference votes and over one million votes in a final count. To date, this is the most recent Irish presidential election that required additional counts. Procedure Irish presidential election To qualify, candidates had to:Article 12 of the Constitution of Ireland http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Youth_Zone/About_the_Constitution,_Flag,_Anthem_Harp/Constitution_of_Ireland_March_2010.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20110206021320/http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Youth_Zone/About_the_Constitution%2C_Flag%2C_Anthem_Harp/Constitution_of_Ireland_March_2010.pdf dead 6 February 2011 Constitution of Ireland — Bunreacht na hÉireann March 2010 Department of the Taoiseach 10 September 2010 be a citizen of Ireland be at least 35 years of ageThe 1996 report of the Constitution Review Group notes "There is an apparent discrepancy between the English and Irish versions. The Irish version has 'ag a bhfuil cúig bliana tríochad slán' (that is, has completed thirty-five years), whereas the English version is 'who has reached his thirty-fifth year of age', which could mean has entered rather than completed that year." As according to article 25.5.4 of Bunreacht na hÉireannn in "case of conflict... the text in the national language (Irish) shall prevail", this means a candidate must be at least 35 years old. Report of the Constitution Review Group 21 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721123405/http://www.constitution.ie/reports/crg.pdf http://www.constitution.ie/reports/crg.pdf July 1996 25, 42 be nominated by: at least twenty of the 226 serving members of the Houses of the Oireachtas (parliament), or at least four of the 34 county or city councils, or themself, in the case of a former president who has served one term. Presidential elections are conducted under the Presidential Elections Act 1993, as amended. Constitutionally, the election must be held not more than 60 days before the ending of the term of office of the incumbent, or within 60 days of the office becoming vacant.https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/how_president_elected-english.pdf How The President is Elected Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government 24 October 2011 20 December 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171220211018/http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/how_president_elected-english.pdf live On 27 July the government announced that the election would be held on 27 October 2011.http://www.thejournal.ie/presidential-election-set-for-a-thursday-despite-objections-in-the-past-187261-Jul2011/ Presidential election set for a Thursday, despite objections in the past thejournal.ie 28 July 2011 21 August 2011 23 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120923233949/http://www.thejournal.ie/presidential-election-set-for-a-thursday-despite-objections-in-the-past-187261-Jul2011/ live An order was made on 30 August by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government declaring 28 September to be the last day on which nominations could be received.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0830/breaking41.html Presidential election date named The Irish Times 30 August 2011 30 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110830233521/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0830/breaking41.html livehttps://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/presidential-elections/presidential-election-order Presidential Election Order 30 August 2011 Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government 30 August 2011 18 February 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170218143829/http://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/voting/presidential-elections/presidential-election-order live The election was conducted by means of the alternative vote (also called instant runoff voting), which is the single-winner analogue of the single transferable vote used in other Irish elections. Although the constitution calls the system "proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote", a single-winner election cannot be proportional.Constitution Review Group Report 21 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721123405/http://www.constitution.ie/reports/crg.pdf http://www.constitution.ie/reports/crg.pdf#page=22 18 October 2011 1996 Government of Ireland 22 Article XII – XIV The President dead All Irish citizens entered on the current electoral register were eligible to vote.http://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/es/ese/ese01/ese01c Electing a President — Preferential Voting ACE: The Electoral Knowledge Network 7 August 2011 23 February 2013 https://archive.today/20130223075238/http://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/es/ese/ese01/ese01c live Nomination campaign Following the general election in February 2011, as well as subsequent Seanad election, only three political parties had the 20 members of Oireachtas required to nominate a candidate: Fine Gael (76 TDs and 19 senators), the Labour Party (37 TDs and 13 senators) and Fianna Fáil (19 TDs and 14 senators). Sinn Féin, the next largest party in the Dáil Éireann, had 14 TDs and 3 senators. For other candidates to be nominated by Oireachtas members, support would have been required from members of smaller parties, independents (of which there were then 14 TDs and 11 senators) or excess members of the three larger parties. Fine Gael Gay Mitchell, MEP for Dublin and former TD for Dublin South-Central was chosen as the Fine Gael candidate at a special convention held on 9 July 2011.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0709/breaking24.html Mitchell chosen as FG candidate De Bréadún Deaglán 9 July 2011 The Irish Times 9 July 2011 12 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110812171257/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0709/breaking24.html livehttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0610/breaking13.html Mitchell to seek FG nomination The Irish Times 10 June 2011 10 June 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043859/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0610/breaking13.html live Fine Gael had initially produced a shortlist of three candidates in March 2011: John Bruton, Seán Kelly and Mairead McGuinness.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fine-gael-reveals-presidential-wishlist-2587164.html Fine Gael reveals presidential wishlist Sheehan Fionnan 21 March 2011 Irish Independent 21 March 2011 23 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110323005025/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fine-gael-reveals-presidential-wishlist-2587164.html live Bruton, a former Taoiseach and European Union Ambassador, ruled himself out of the contest on 28 May 2011.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0528/president.html John Bruton rules out running for President 28 May 2011 RTÉ News 28 May 2011 29 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110529150934/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0528/president.html live Kelly, an MEP and former President of the Gaelic Athletic Association indicated on 1 June 2011 that he would not be seeking the party's nomination, and wished to continue serving in the European Parliament.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0602/president.html Kelly will not seek Presidential nomination 2 June 2011 RTÉ News 2 June 2011 3 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603063944/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0602/president.html live The party approached Nobel laureate poet Seamus Heaney in late 2010, but Heaney declined to stand unless he was an agreed cross-party candidate.No President Heaney McCarthy Justine 20 March 2011 Sunday Times 1, 3 Four candidates sought nomination at the party convention in July 2011: Gay Mitchell, MEP for Dublin and former TD for Dublin South-Central. He had announced that he would be seeking the party's nomination in June 2011, having been contacted by "a large number of senior figures in the party".http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0615/1224298937952.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111209171257/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0615/1224298937952.html dead 9 December 2011 Cox clears hurdle in bid for presidency as FG accepts him McGee Harry 15 June 2011 The Irish Times 15 June 2011http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/crowded-field-makes-winning-presidency-no-walk-in-park-2672712.html Crowded field makes winning Presidency no walk in Park Sheehan Maeve 12 June 2011 Sunday Independent 12 June 2011 15 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110615065748/http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/crowded-field-makes-winning-presidency-no-walk-in-park-2672712.html live Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliament and former Progressive Democrats/Independent MEP.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0511/1224296700527.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043835/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0511/1224296700527.html dead 24 October 2012 Cox takes soundings over Áras prospects Minihan Mary 11 May 2011 The Irish Times 11 May 2011 Early in June 2011, press reports indicated that Cox, who had stated his desire to stand as an independent candidate, was seeking to join Fine Gael to be eligible for the party's nomination. His application to join the party was accepted by Fine Gael's National Executive Committee on 14 June.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0606/1224298471320.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121024025740/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0606/1224298471320.html dead 24 October 2012 Cox seeks to join FG and run as party presidential candidate McGee Harry 6 June 2011 The Irish Times 6 June 2011http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0614/president.html Pat Cox becomes member of Fine Gael 14 June 2011 RTÉ News 14 June 2011 16 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616225305/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0614/president.html live He launched his campaign for the Fine Gael nomination on 17 June 2011, describing it as a "one-shot opportunity" and that if he failed to be nominated by the party he would not stand as an independent.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/cox-trails-two-meps-in-battle-for-fgs-aras-nomination-2678729.html Cox trails two MEPs in battle for FG's Aras nomination Brennan Michael 18 June 2011 Irish Independent 18 June 2011 19 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110619040650/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/cox-trails-two-meps-in-battle-for-fgs-aras-nomination-2678729.html livehttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0618/1224299153804.html Cox opens campaign to win FG presidential nomination Cullen Paul 18 June 2011 The Irish Times 18 June 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043845/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0618/1224299153804.html live Cox was claimed by the Irish Independent to be the preferred choice of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Fine Gael leadership.Kenny seen to 'slump' as Mitchell wins nomination http://www.independent.ie/national-news/kenny-seen-to-slump-as-mitchell-wins-nomination-2817752.html McConnell Daniel 10 July 2011 Irish Independent 12 July 2011 12 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110712024352/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/kenny-seen-to-slump-as-mitchell-wins-nomination-2817752.html live Avril Doyle, former MEP and TD. On 21 June 2011, she announced her candidacy.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0621/president.html Avril Doyle seeks FG nomination in Áras bid 21 June 2011 RTÉ News 21 June 2011 24 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110624044346/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0621/president.html live She withdrew from the contest on 7 July stating that she realised she was unlikely to receive the nomination.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0707/president.html Doyle withdraws from Presidential campaign 7 July 2011 RTÉ News 7 July 2011 10 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110710024851/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0707/president.html live Mairead McGuinness, MEP for the East constituency, former presenter of Ear to the Ground on RTÉ One and former journalist with the Irish Independent. She announced her bid for the Fine Gael nomination in April 2011.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0415/breaking64.html Maireád McGuinness in Áras bid 15 April 2011 The Irish Times 15 April 2011 4 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110804160519/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0415/breaking64.html live Voting was by secret ballot, with an electoral college consisting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party (TDs, Senators and MEPs) with 70% of the vote, county and city councillors (20%) and the twelve-member executive council (10%).http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0611/1224298736220.html FG is not parachuting candidate, says Shatter Arthur Beesley & Paul Cullen 11 June 2011 The Irish Times 12 June 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043824/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0611/1224298736220.html live On the announcement that Mitchell had won the nomination, the Sunday Independent stated that party leader Enda Kenny was seen to slump and "could barely contain his disappointment". When questioned by a journalist on his apparent disappointment, Kenny responded sharply "Am I supposed to be going around grinning like a Cheshire Cat at everything?" Labour Party The Labour Party candidate was Michael D. Higgins. He was chosen jointly by the party's National Executive and the Labour Parliamentary Party at a special convention on 19 June 2011.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0619/president.html Michael D Higgins wins Labour Áras nomination 19 June 2011 RTÉ News 19 June 2011 20 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110620191433/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0619/president.html live The former TD and minister originally indicated that he was interested in receiving the party's nomination in September 2010.Higgins seeks Labour Party nomination for presidency Deaglán de Bréadún The Irish Times 10 September 2010 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0910/1224278569111.html 10 September 2010 23 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121023063746/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0910/1224278569111.html live Like Higgins, two other candidates put their names forward in late May 2011: Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive of Barnardo's children's charity, announced on 9 September 2010 that he would seek the Labour Party's nomination for president.Finlay wants Labour ticket for President Clodagh Sheehy Evening Herald 9 September 2010 https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/finlay-wants-labour-ticket-for-president/27961602.html 10 September 2010 Kathleen O'Meara, former Senator, also put her name forward for the party nomination. Fianna Fáil For the first time in any presidential election, Fianna Fáil neither ran a candidate nor supported the nomination of a candidate. The decision was made at a meeting of the parliamentary party on 31 August 2011, and was in line with the recommendations of the six-person subcommittee formed by the party leader Micheál Martin to consider the matter.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0901/1224303294092.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110901005030/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0901/1224303294092.html dead 1 September 2011 Fianna Fáil decides against fielding presidential candidate 1 September 2011 The Irish Times 1 September 2011 McGee Harry In June 2011 press reports had indicated that the party was unlikely to run a candidate both for financial reasons and also because it was unlikely that a Fianna Fáil nominee could be successful.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0614/breaking7.html Kenny stays neutral on candidate Harry McGee and Deaglán De Bréadún 14 June 2011 The Irish Times 14 June 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925061916/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0614/breaking7.html liveCool pools http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/fionnan-sheahan/fionnan-sheahan-ff-members-must-face-up-to-reality-of-partys-unpopularity-2860696.html Fionnan Sheahan: FF members must face up to reality of party's unpopularity Independent.ie 30 August 2011 27 September 2011 27 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127125352/http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/fionnan-sheahan/fionnan-sheahan-ff-members-must-face-up-to-reality-of-partys-unpopularity-2860696.html live In early August 2011 there was press speculation that RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne might seek a nomination. On 6 August Micheál Martin rang Byrne at his holiday home to indicate that Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members would facilitate his nomination.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0810/1224302180521.html Martin's phone call could prove key moment in presidential campaign McGee Harry 10 August 2011 The Irish Times 10 August 2011 10 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110810072649/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0810/1224302180521.html live Byrne indicated that he had yet to make a decision on whether to put his name forward, but said that if he did so he would not run under the Fianna Fáil banner but as an independent, albeit with the assistance of the party's organisation. "Fianna Fáil are convinced no matter who they put up will be unelectable, so they're giving me their support" he told the Irish Independent.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/gaybo-ff-support-me-but-i-am-an-lsquoindependentrsquo-candidate-2844125.html Gaybo: FF support me but I am an 'independent' candidate Ken Sweeney, Fiach Kelly and Sam Smyth 10 August 2011 10 August 2011 Irish Independent 23 September 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210923220117/https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gaybo-ff-support-me-but-i-am-an-independent-candidate-26759945.html livehttp://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0810/byrneg.html Gay Byrne claims Fianna Fáil support 10 August 2011 RTÉ News 10 August 2011 14 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111114153333/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0810/byrneg.html live Éamon Ó Cuív, the party's deputy leader and member of the committee tasked with deciding on their strategy for the election stated that "I know of no approach to Gay Byrne... Nobody has discussed the issue with me — good, bad or indifferent." On 13 August Byrne informed Martin that he would not be going forward for nomination. He stated that the idea of running had been "foisted on him and he had not known anything about it and what it would involve".http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0813/byrneg.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121103155337/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0813/byrneg.html dead 3 November 2012 Gay Byrne says no to Presidential campaign 13 August 2011 RTÉ News 13 August 2011 This followed unease among Fianna Fáil parliamentary party Oireachtas members, with a number unhappy that a candidate was being imposed by the leadership without discussion.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0813/breaking120.html Gay Byrne has ruled himself out of presidential race 13 August 2011 The Irish Times 13 August 2011 Conor Pope 13 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110813171651/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0813/breaking120.html live On 16 August 2011, the Irish Examiner reported that Micheál Martin had moved to pull the party out of the presidential race over the fallout from the approach to Gay Byrne, the cost involved and the slim chance of a candidate being elected.https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20164373.html Martin moves to pull party out of presidential race McEnroe Juno 16 August 2011 Irish Examiner 18 August 2011 16 November 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/10702/20111116160034/http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/martin-moves-to-pull-party-out-of-presidential-race-164373.html live On 24 August, however, the party's deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív told Raidió na Gaeltachta that he believed the party should put forward a candidate.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0824/president.html Ó Cuív wants FF Presidential candidate 24 August 2011 RTÉ News 25 August 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925131414/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0824/president.html live Several members had expressed an interest in the party nomination: Brian Crowley, MEP, said in The Irish Times on 29 September 2008 that he would like to stand for president in 2011.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0929/1222420014885.html Fianna Fáil MEP Crowley says he would like to run for president The Irish Times 29 September 2008 29 September 2008 20 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110520094306/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0929/1222420014885.html live In July 2011 he wrote to members of the parliamentary party confirming that he wished to contest the election as the Fianna Fáil candidate.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/crowley-seeks-ff-nod-to-join-race-for-aras-2834773.html https://archive.today/20120908095717/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/crowley-seeks-ff-nod-to-join-race-for-aras-2834773.html dead 8 September 2012 Crowley seeks FF nod to join race for Aras Sheehan Fionnan 29 July 2011 Irish Independent 29 July 2011 On 23 August Crowley indicated that he would not be seeking a nomination. He stated that the party leadership "has demonstrated that it does not want an internal party candidate to contest the upcoming presidential election. So, with much disappointment, I do not now feel free to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination."http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fianna-fail-in-turmoil-crowley-lashes-out-at-michael-martin-2856081.html Fianna Fáil in turmoil: Crowley lashes out at Michael Martin Sam Smyth, Fionnan Sheehan 24 August 2011 Irish Independent 24 August 2011 3 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103042723/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fianna-fail-in-turmoil-crowley-lashes-out-at-michael-martin-2856081.html live Éamon Ó Cuív, TD for Galway West and former minister, expressed an interest in the office once held by his grandfather, Éamon de Valera. Senator Mary White had announced her intention to stand for the Fianna Fáil nomination in 2008,http://uk.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idUKL0758775720080207?symbol=SSE.L https://web.archive.org/web/20201126152503/https://uk.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idUKL0758775720080207?symbol=SSE.L dead 26 November 2020 Press Digest — Ireland Reuters 7 February 2008 10 February 2008 but in May 2011 said that she would not be seeking the nomination.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0511/president.html Pat Cox interested in running for Áras RTÉ News 11 May 2011 2 June 2011 15 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110615202524/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0511/president.html live Mary Hanafin also expressed an interest in seeking the nomination.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0822/1224302806094.html Fianna Fáil to discuss options for presidency Irishtimes.com 22 August 2011 27 September 2011 Harry McGee 22 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110822194449/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0822/1224302806094.html live Following the decision by Fianna Fáil not to run their own candidate, there was speculation that some party members might be prepared to nominate an independent candidate. However, on 11 September the party's chief whip, Seán Ó Fearghail, made it clear that individual TDs and senators would not be permitted to sign the nomination papers of independent candidates. He said that if the party decided to support a candidacy it would be done collectively.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0911/aras.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121103181320/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0911/aras.html dead 3 November 2012 FF TDs cannot back individual Áras candidates 11 September 2011 RTÉ News 11 September 2011 A meeting of the parliamentary party was held on 15 September at which the issue of the presidential election was raised. Unexpectedly, one of the party's senators, Labhrás Ó Murchú, sought nominations to run as an independent candidate. This was widely seen as a challenge to the authority of Micheál Martin.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0916/1224304196082.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110916133628/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0916/1224304196082.html dead 16 September 2011 Blow for Martin as Ó Murchú makes bid for Áras Stephen Collins and Mary Minihan 16 September 2011 The Irish Times 16 September 2011 The extended meeting broke up without agreement.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-unable-to-decide-on-presidential-candidate-520762.html Fianna Fáil unable to decide on presidential candidate 16 September 2011 Irish Examiner 16 September 2011 27 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120927015037/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fianna-fail-unable-to-decide-on-presidential-candidate-520762.html live The parliamentary party met again on 20 September. Senator Ó Murchú withdrew his request for a nomination and a motion was passed that the party's Oireachtas members would not nominate or endorse any candidate. The decision was seen as a severe blow to the attempts to secure a nomination by David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon who were expected to need signatures from individual Fianna Fáil members.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0921/breaking18.html FF move a blow to Dana, Norris Stephen Collins and Mary Minihan 21 September 2011 The Irish Times 21 September 2011 21 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110921223204/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0921/breaking18.html live Sinn Féin At the party's Ard Comhairle meeting in Dublin in June 2011, the party's leader, Gerry Adams TD, ruled himself out as a candidate.http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=59699&locID=1.2&pagename=news https://web.archive.org/web/20120329043208/http://www.tv3.ie/article.php?article_id=59699&locID=1.2&pagename=news dead 29 March 2012 Adams rules out Presidential bid 11 June 2011 TV3 12 June 2011 He had previously expressed a wish to be elected president in time for the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016. There had been reports in July that artist Robert Ballagh was "seriously considering a run for the presidency", and had been in talks with Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party and People Before Profit Alliance.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0723/1224301202797.html Ballagh may join Áras race with SF support Cullen Paul 23 July 2011 The Irish Times 25 July 2011 25 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110725021641/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0723/1224301202797.html live A Sinn Féin source confirmed there had been "very informal discussions",http://www.independent.ie/national-news/leftwing-parties-back-artist-ballagh-for-aras-2829468.html Left-wing parties back artist Ballagh for Aras Sheehan Fionnan 22 July 2011 Irish Independent 25 July 2011 2 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102231939/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/leftwing-parties-back-artist-ballagh-for-aras-2829468.html live However, on 25 July Ballagh ruled himself out.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/robert-ballagh-rules-out-running-for-president-after-talks-2830674.html Robert Ballagh rules out running for President after talks Marese McDonagh and Fionnan Sheahan 26 July 2011 26 July 2011 Irish Independent 27 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110827031723/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/robert-ballagh-rules-out-running-for-president-after-talks-2830674.html live In a keynote speech at the party's Ard Fheis on 10 September Gerry Adams said that he felt that Sinn Féin should support the nomination of "a candidate who is capable of winning the support of progressive and nationalist opinion... who will reflect the broad republican spirit of the Irish people at this time". He went on to state that the party's Ard Comhairle would consider the matter on 17 September.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/adams-hints-at-sf-bid-for-presidency-2873173.html Adams hints at SF bid for presidency Murray Alan 11 September 2011 Sunday Independent 11 September 2011 3 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103060601/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/adams-hints-at-sf-bid-for-presidency-2873173.html livehttp://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0910/sinnfein.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110923151939/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0910/sinnfein.html dead 23 September 2011 Sinn Féin may support presidential candidate 11 September 2011 RTÉ News 11 September 2011 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0912/1224303945053.html Adams in favour of running candidate for presidency Moriarty Gerry The Irish Times 12 September 2011 12 September 2011 12 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110912151238/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0912/1224303945053.html live On 16 September it was revealed that the party would seek to have Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, nominated to contest the election.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0916/president.html Martin McGuinness to be SF candidate for Áras 16 September 2011 RTÉ News 16 September 2011 23 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110923155152/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0916/president.html live With 14 TDs and three senators, Sinn Féin were three short of the required twenty Oireachtas members to nominate a candidate for the presidency. Soon after the nomination was announced, four Independent TDs agreed to nominate McGuinness,http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0917/breaking6.html Four independents back McGuinness's presidential race Stephen Collins and Gerry Moriarty 17 September 2011 The Irish Times 18 September 2011 17 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110917235544/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0917/breaking6.html live securing his nomination: Michael Healy-Rae and Tom Fleming (both representing Kerry South), Luke 'Ming' Flanagan (Roscommon–South Leitrim) and Finian McGrath (Dublin North-Central). Both 'Ming' Flanagan and McGrath had previously pledged their support to Norris. Independent In order to secure a nomination, a number of non-party politicians sought the support of either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four city or county councils. Oireachtas nominations David Norris, a Senator since 1987 and long time civil rights campaigner, credited with helping overthrow Ireland's laws criminalising homosexuality, launched his campaign in January 2011.http://www.tribune.ie/news/home-news/article/2010/feb/21/norris-admits-interest-in-running-for-presidency/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100227214921/http://www.tribune.ie/news/home-news/article/2010/feb/21/norris-admits-interest-in-running-for-presidency/ usurped 27 February 2010 Norris admits interest in running for presidency The Sunday Tribune 21 February 2010 http://norrisforpresident.ie/ David Norris for President Norrisforpresident.ie 28 January 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110101112053/http://norrisforpresident.ie/ 1 January 2011 It had initially been anticipated that he might be nominated by the Labour Party.Race to succeed McAleese will be no stroll in the park Fionan Sheahan Irish Independent 10 September 2010 http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/fionnan-sheahan/fionnan-sheahan-race-to-succeed-mcaleese-will-be-no-stroll-in-the-park-2332770.html 10 September 2010 11 September 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100911174921/http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/fionnan-sheahan/fionnan-sheahan-race-to-succeed-mcaleese-will-be-no-stroll-in-the-park-2332770.html live A Red C poll commissioned by Paddy Power in January 2011 showed that Norris was by far the most popular choice for president with more than double the support of any of the other potential candidates.Paul Galvin http://www.independent.ie/national-news/norris-tops-president-poll-2490541.html https://archive.today/20120802172025/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/norris-tops-president-poll-2490541.html dead 2 August 2012 Norris tops President poll Independent.ie 10 January 2011 28 January 2011 http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0110/norrisd.html David Norris ahead in Red C presidential poll RTÉ.ie 10 January 2011 28 January 2011 12 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110112203218/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0110/norrisd.html live On 14 March 2011 Norris formally launched his campaign to secure a nomination, stating that he had written to the chairpersons of each of the 34 county and city councils and that he would also be individually contacting the independent TDs elected to the 31st Dail.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0314/norrisd.html David Norris launches presidential campaign 14 March 2011 RTÉ News 14 March 2011 14 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110314162304/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0314/norrisd.html live On 21 July Norris revealed that he had secured the support of 13 Oireachtas members for his candidacy, and was confident of securing 20.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0721/president.html Norris has backing of 13 Oireachtas members 21 July 2011 RTÉ News 21 July 2011 14 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111114172857/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0721/president.html live On 22 July two more senators announced they would back him.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0722/norris.html David Norris gets backing from two Senators 22 July 2011 RTÉ News 22 July 2011February 2017 However, on 2 August, Norris publicly announced at a press conference that he was withdrawing from the presidential race. This followed the decision of three of his backers, the TDs John Halligan, Finian McGrath and Thomas Pringle to withdraw their support following revelations that Norris had written a letter to a court asking clemency for his former partner Ezra Nawi, who was then on trial in Israel.http://www.thejournal.ie/ezra-nawi-rape-conviction-went-unreported-in-israel-192081-Aug2011/ Ezra Nawi rape conviction went unreported in Israel: report, The story which has ended the presidential hopes of David Norris has only come to light 14 years later The Journal 3 August 2011 3 August 2011 18 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121018024559/http://www.thejournal.ie/ezra-nawi-rape-conviction-went-unreported-in-israel-192081-Aug2011/ live This information was publicised on 24 July by John Connolly, a Zionist blogger in London, who claimed he had received a tip-off from an associate he admitted may have been a supporter of Norris's campaign rival and eventual election winner Michael D. Higgins.http://www.thejournal.ie/israel-and-labour-deny-plot-against-norris-as-backers-consider-support-190646-Aug2011/ Israel and Labour deny plot against Norris as backers consider support: More details emerge about the scandal that has rocked the independent Senator's campaign The Journal 1 August 2011 1 August 2011 18 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121018025524/http://www.thejournal.ie/israel-and-labour-deny-plot-against-norris-as-backers-consider-support-190646-Aug2011/ live Norris withdrew his candidacy on 2 August due to the controversy.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0802/breaking2.html Norris withdraws from presidential election race 2 August 2011 The Irish Times 5 August 2011 4 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110804110553/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0802/breaking2.html live Nawi, a human rights campaigner and pacifist who has been jailed for several short spells for his activism, suggested at the time that his deeds were being "recycled" against him and those associated with him.http://www.thejournal.ie/ezra-nawi-norris-was-victim-of-dirty-tricks-campaign-193920-Aug2011/ Ezra Nawi: Norris was victim of dirty tricks campaign The Journal 5 August 2011 5 August 2011 15 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121015154212/http://www.thejournal.ie/ezra-nawi-norris-was-victim-of-dirty-tricks-campaign-193920-Aug2011/ live However, by 15 September, media reports indicated Norris was seeking to re-enter the election, and was meeting independent TDs looking for their support. By 25 September, 18 members of the Oireachtas had signed Norris's nomination papers.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0925/president.html Shane Ross To Support Norris Nomination 25 September 2011 RTÉ News 25 September 2011 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927154630/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0925/president.html live Then Mattie McGrath TD indicated that he would not be signing Norris's nomination papers following a meeting with his supporters.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0925/president.html McGrath won't support Norris nomination bid 25 September 2011 RTÉ News 25 September 2011 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927154630/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0925/president.html live This effectively ended the attempt to gain nomination through the Oireachtas,http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/norris-bid-rests-on-council-votes-as-mcgrath-says-no-168736.html Norris bid rests on council votes as McGrath says 'no' McEnroe Juno 26 September 2011 Irish Examiner 26 September 2011 27 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120927015440/http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/norris-bid-rests-on-council-votes-as-mcgrath-says-no-168736.html live although Michael Lowry TD stated he would give the final required nomination if Norris acquired 19 nominations.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ross-agrees-to-sign-norris-nomination-papers-521931.html Ross agrees to sign Norris nomination papers 25 September 2011 Irish Examiner 25 September 2011 27 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120927015417/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ross-agrees-to-sign-norris-nomination-papers-521931.html live Niall O'Dowd, New York based journalist and publisher. Early in June 2011, he indicated he had been approached by "a cross-party group of Irish and Irish-Americans" urging him to put his name forward for the contest. O'Dowd travelled to Ireland later in the month to meet Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and independent TDs and senators in an attempt to gain a nomination.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0620/breaking80.html O'Dowd to seek FF, SF nominations 20 June 2011 The Irish Times 20 June 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925061941/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0620/breaking80.html live O'Dowd withdrew from seeking a nomination on 30 June, due to the difficulty of organising a campaign and "because he stopped believing he could win".http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0701/president.html Niall O'Dowd pulls out of Presidential race 1 July 2011 RTÉ News 1 July 2011 3 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110703062215/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0701/president.html live The members of the Technical Group of independents in Dáil Éireann considered nominating a candidate. Finian McGrath, the chair of the group, circulated a list of 10 possible candidates to the members during the summer of 2011.https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20165479.html Independents unlikely to nominate Áras candidate McEnroe Juno 26 August 2011 Irish Examiner 11 September 2011 16 November 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/10702/20111116104035/http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/politics/independents-unlikely-to-nominate-aras-candidate-165479.html live Although meetings were held with Dana Rosemary Scallon, Mary Davis and Trócaire chief executive Justin Kilcullen no agreement was reached.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0910/1224303848872.html TDs give up attempts to agree Áras contender Cullen Paul 10 September 2011 The Irish Times 11 September 2011 10 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110910190200/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0910/1224303848872.html live Kilcullen withdrew from seeking a nomination on 14 September.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0915/president.html Norris seeks Áras support from Independents 15 September 2011 RTÉ News 15 September 2011 24 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110924164830/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0915/president.html live Council nominations A number of independent politicians sought support from local authorities, with four candidates nominated by the resolutions of four or more councils: Mary Davis announced on 26 May 2011 that she would be seeking a nomination.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0526/president.html Mary Davis announces bid for presidency 26 May 2011 RTÉ News 26 May 2011 28 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110528015903/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0526/president.html livehttps://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/terry-prone-with-mary-on-for-the-aras-the-contest-really-hots-up/27980818.html With Mary on for the Aras the contest really hots up Evening Herald Terry Prone 26 May 2011 3 June 2011 30 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110530105725/http://www.herald.ie/opinion/terry-prone-with-mary-on-for-the-aras-the-contest-really-hots-up-2658423.html live She had originally stated in August 2010 that she would consider standing for the presidency if approached by a political party.Special Olympics guru 'would consider' Áras run Niamh Connoly Sunday Business Post 15 August 2010 http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/special-olympics-guru-would-consider-aras-run-51114.html 10 September 2010February 2017 She subsequently decided to run as an independent, seeking nominations from four local authorities.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0526/breaking4.html Special Olympics chief set for Áras bid 26 May 2011 The Irish Times 26 May 2011 Mary Minihan 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043910/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0526/breaking4.html livehttp://www.independent.ie/national-news/special-olympics-chief-to-decide-on-aras-run-in-days-2654245.html Special Olympics chief to decide on Aras run in days Reilly Jerome 22 May 2011 Sunday Independent 22 May 2011 25 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110525062438/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/special-olympics-chief-to-decide-on-aras-run-in-days-2654245.html livehttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0618/1224299153871.html Davis confident of securing support for presidential run Tierney Ciarán 18 June 2011 The Irish Times 21 June 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043931/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0618/1224299153871.html livehttp://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0620/president.html Mary Davis addresses council in Áras bid 20 June 2011 RTÉ News 20 June 2011 22 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110622053559/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0620/president.html live Seán Gallagher.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0513/1224296840016.html Norris says bid asks questions of FG Minihan Mary 13 May 2011 The Irish Times 26 May 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024043941/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0513/1224296840016.html live In May 2011, The Sunday Business Post reported that he was likely to seek a nomination.http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/gallagher-plans-to-swap-den-for-run-at-the-park-56055.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110506144514/http://www.sbpost.ie/news/ireland/gallagher-plans-to-swap-den-for-run-at-the-park-56055.html dead 6 May 2011 Gallagher plans to swap Den for run at the Park Connolly Niamh 1 May 2011 Sunday Business Post 3 May 2011 The Irish Times subsequently reported that in addition to seeking the support of independents, he was approaching Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members in order to run as an independent candidate, but with a "semi-detached" relationship with the party.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0507/1224296378500.html 'Dragon' seeks FF support for Park bid McGee Harry 7 May 2011 The Irish Times 8 May 2011 24 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024044003/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0507/1224296378500.html live On 13 June 2011, he began the process of looking for nominations from local authorities. David Norris. Norris approached a number of councils in June and July 2011.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/norris-hits-the-road-for-his-super-monday-2673612.html Norris hits the road for his 'Super Monday' Kelly Fiach 14 June 2011 Irish Independent 14 June 2011 17 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110617043249/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/norris-hits-the-road-for-his-super-monday-2673612.html livehttp://www.kclr96fm.com/news?id=30758 David Norris to address Kilkenny county council 20 June 2011 KCLR 96FM 20 June 2011 21 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074831/http://www.kclr96fm.com/news?id=30758 live On 2 August Norris announced he was withdrawing from the election. In September he reversed the decision, and received his first local authority nomination on 20 September.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fingal-county-council-backs-norris-521303.html Fingal County Council backs Norris 20 September 2011 Irish Examiner 21 September 2011 26 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926092019/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/fingal-county-council-backs-norris-521303.html live Dana Rosemary Scallon announced on 19 September that she would be seeking a presidential nomination. She initially attempted to gain the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0919/president.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110923155344/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0919/president.html dead 23 September 2011 Dana seeking nomination for Áras election 19 September 2011 RTÉ News 26 September 2011 However, by 21 September, she only secured the support of one TD.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0921/1224304483539.html Dana and Norris unlikely to get enough backers in race Collins Stephen The Irish Times 21 September 2011 26 September 2011 22 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110922203802/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0921/1224304483539.html live She instead began the process of seeking support from county and city councils.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0924/1224304676924.html Dana may get backing of two more councils Stephen Collins and Marie O'Halloran 24 September 2011 The Irish Times 26 September 2011 26 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926010654/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0924/1224304676924.html live A number of councils scheduled special meetings to consider presidential nominations prior to the deadline of midday on 28 September 2011.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0924/president.html Seven candidates likely for Áras race 24 September 2011 RTÉ News 24 September 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925065119/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0924/president.html livehttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0924/1224304676924.html Dana may get backing of two more councils Stephen Collins and Marie O'Halloran 24 September 2011 The Irish Times 24 September 2011 24 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110924042411/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0924/1224304676924.html live Name Nominations Councils Mary Davis 13Galway City,http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0913/1224304027684.html Davis and Gallagher nominated to run De Bréadún Deaglán 13 September 2011 The Irish Times 13 September 2011 13 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110913063853/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0913/1224304027684.html live Galway County,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0902/president.html Galway council backs Mary Davis in Áras bid 2 September 2011 RTÉ News 2 September 2011 14 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111114185955/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0902/president.html live Kerry,http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/davis-pledge-in-presidential-battle-16048641.html Davis pledge in presidential battle 12 September 2011 Belfast Telegraph 12 September 2011 21 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121021010100/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/davis-pledge-in-presidential-battle-16048641.html live Limerick County, Louth,https://www.independent.ie/regionals/louth/dundalk-news/mary-gets-backing-of-council-in-race/26956902.html Mary gets backing of Council in race Roddy Margaret Dundalk Argus 24 September 2011 27 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327110429/http://www.argus.ie/news/mary-gets-backing-of-council-in-race-2883336.html live Mayo, Monaghan,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0912/president.html Davis officially a Presidential candidate 12 September 2011 RTÉ News 12 September 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925000823/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0912/president.html live North Tipperary,http://www.tipperarystar.ie/news/local/north_tipp_to_support_mary_davis_for_presidency_1_2880395 https://web.archive.org/web/20110803141726/http://www.tipperarystar.ie/news/local/north_tipp_to_support_mary_davis_for_presidency_1_2880395 dead 3 August 2011 North Tipp to Support Mary Davis for Presidency Kelleher Eoin 20 September 2011 Tipperary Star 24 September 2011 South Tipperary, Sligo,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0905/president.html Two nominations for both Gallagher, Davis 5 September 2011 RTÉ News 6 September 2011 14 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111114185952/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0905/president.html live Waterford County,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0912/president.html Two independents receive Áras nominations 12 September 2011 RTÉ News 12 September 2011 25 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925000823/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0912/president.html live Wexford, Wicklow Seán Gallagher 4 Cork City, Clare, Leitrim, Meath David Norris 4 Fingal, Laois,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0926/president.html Carlow, Roscommon back Dana's Áras bid RTÉ.ie 26 September 2011 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927035737/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0926/president.html live Waterford City,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0927/president.html Waterford city backs David Norris Áras bid 27 September 2011 RTÉ.ie 27 September 2011 28 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014410/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0927/president.html live Dublin Cityhttp://www.thejournal.ie/norris-is-an-official-presidential-candidate-after-dublin-city-council-nomination-238448-Sep2011/ Norris is an official presidential candidate after Dublin City Council nomination 27 September 2011 TheJournal.ie 27 September 2011 29 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150944/http://www.thejournal.ie/norris-is-an-official-presidential-candidate-after-dublin-city-council-nomination-238448-Sep2011/ live Dana Rosemary Scallon 4Carlow,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0926/president.html Carlow backs Dana, Laois nominates Norris 26 September 2011 RTÉ News 26 September 2011 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927035737/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0926/president.html live Donegal,http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0927/breaking1.html Dana gets third nomination as bids go down to the wire 27 September 2011 RTÉ News 27 September 2011 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927170057/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0927/breaking1.html live Offaly,http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0927/president.html Dana confirmed as Presidential candidate — RTÉ News RTÉ.ie 20 October 2010 27 September 2011 28 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014410/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0927/president.html live Roscommon Candidates Seven candidates contested the presidential election, having been selected by their parties or having received sufficient council nominations. This was the largest number of candidates to contest an Irish presidential election.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0928/president.html Presidential candidates in first debate 28 September 2011 RTÉ News 29 September 2011 30 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110930115132/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0928/president.html live Mary Davis, social entrepreneur, disability rights campaigner and best known as organiser of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland, was nominated by local councils. Seán Gallagher, entrepreneur, panellist on the Dragons' Den television programme and former member of the Fianna Fáil National Executive, was nominated by local councils. Michael D. Higgins, former Government Minister and TD was selected by the Labour Party. Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was selected by Sinn Féin, and received enough support from independent TDs to be nominated.McGuinness was nominated by Sinn Féin and a number of independent Oireachtas members. http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/21534 https://web.archive.org/web/20110925102854/http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/21534 dead 25 September 2011 Sinn Féin Officer Board nominate Martin McGuinness for office of Uachtarán na hÉireann Sinn Féin 18 September 2011 Gay Mitchell, MEP and former TD was selected by Fine Gael. David Norris, Senator, scholar and civil rights campaigner, was nominated by local councils. Dana Rosemary Scallon, former MEP, was nominated by local councils.http://www.thejournal.ie/dana-is-officially-a-presidential-candidate-following-offaly-nomination-238169-Sep2011/ Dana is officially a presidential candidate following Offaly nomination 19 September 2011 TheJournal.ie 27 September 2011 28 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110928153215/http://www.thejournal.ie/dana-is-officially-a-presidential-candidate-following-offaly-nomination-238169-Sep2011/ live Election campaign The "motley crew" of candidates (The Washington Times) led to much attention on the campaign and election outcome from the international media."Reality-TV star V ex-IRA warlord: the international view on #Aras11" https://web.archive.org/web/20111029212928/http://www.thejournal.ie/reality-tv-star-v-ex-ira-warlord-the-international-view-on-aras11-264860-Oct2011/ 29 October 2011 . thejournal.ie. 27 October 2011. The Guardian described it as "the most fractious presidential election campaign since the republic was founded".McDonald, Henry. "Ireland goes to polls after bitter presidential campaign" https://web.archive.org/web/20160308083522/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/27/irish-presidential-elections-polls?newsfeed=true 8 March 2016 . The Guardian. 27 October 2011. Phil Hogan of Fine Gael, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, attacked Martin McGuinness claiming that US multinational companies would be "appalled" if Martin McGuinness were elected and foreign direct investment would drop.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/phil-hogan-warns-no-terrorist-in-the-aras-2893648.html Phil Hogan warns: No terrorist in the Aras Sunday Independent 2 October 2011 4 October 2011 John Drennan Jody Corcoran 4 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111004130032/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/phil-hogan-warns-no-terrorist-in-the-aras-2893648.html live This was followed by a tweet made by Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe which claimed that McGuinness profited from the Northern Bank robbery.http://www.thejournal.ie/governments-chief-whip-kehoe-confirms-mcguinness-attack-was-me-244235-Oct2011/ Government's chief whip Kehoe confirms: McGuinness attack was me TheJournal.ie 3 October 2011 4 October 2011 5 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111005023913/http://www.thejournal.ie/governments-chief-whip-kehoe-confirms-mcguinness-attack-was-me-244235-Oct2011/ live This was in response to a pledge made by McGuinness to only take the average industrial wage, if elected president. McGuinness dismissed both charges as "black propaganda".http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1002/president.html/ https://web.archive.org/web/20111002224550/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1002/president.html dead 2 October 2011 McGuinness rails against FG 'black propaganda' RTÉ News 3 October 2011 4 October 2011 It was reported in The Irish Times that Fine Gael's "strategy of levelling strongly worded accusations at Mr McGuinness was part of a drive to motivate party voters to come out in support of Mr Mitchell in the October 27th election".http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/1003/1224305146023.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111003201249/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/1003/1224305146023.html dead 3 October 2011 McGuinness says FG remarks about him are 'outrageous' The Irish Times 3 October 2011 4 October 2011 Mary Minihan At her formal campaign launch on 4 October, Independent Mary Davis accused Fine Gael of using polling companies to research attacks on her. She also pledged she would ask the Government to bring the office of President under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act and that she would publish an annual expenditure report for the Áras. David Norris also made a pledge to publish expenses.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president.html Davis accuses Fine Gael of negative tactics RTÉ News 4 October 2011 4 October 2011 4 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111004224858/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president.html live Mrs. Davis eventually accepted "collective responsibility" for mortgage lending decisions made after she was appointed to the board of the ICS building society.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1017/president.html Mary Davis accepts 'collective responsibility' RTÉ News 17 October 2011 17 October 2011 18 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111018044728/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1017/president.html live During the campaign, several relatives of people killed during The Troubles objected to the prospect of a former IRA member, McGuinness, becoming president.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/1012/1224305641803.html Relatives put McGuinness's past under renewed scrutiny The Irish Times 12 October 2011 13 October 2011 12 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111012221809/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/1012/1224305641803.html livehttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/oct/12/ira-relative-martin-mcguinness-blood?newsfeed=true IRA victim's brother says Martin McGuinness has blood on his hands The Guardian 12 October 2011 London Henry McDonald 14 December 2016 12 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160312214540/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/oct/12/ira-relative-martin-mcguinness-blood?newsfeed=true livehttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/mar/15/northernireland.northernireland?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 McGuinness warns McCartney sisters The Guardian London David Teather Angelique Chrisafis 15 March 2005 14 December 2016 8 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160308213333/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/mar/15/northernireland.northernireland?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 livehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8815887/Dont-mention-the-IRA-to-Martin-McGuinness.html Don't mention the IRA to Martin McGuinness The Daily Telegraph 8 October 2011 London Andrew Gilligan 2 April 2018 17 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181117040835/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8815887/Dont-mention-the-IRA-to-Martin-McGuinness.html live On 10 October, McGuinness was confronted in Athlone by the son of a member of the Irish Army killed by the IRA after Don Tidey's kidnap in Ballinamore in 1983.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1010/president.html McGuinness confronted by dead soldier's son RTÉ News 10 October 2011 10 October 2011 11 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111011002429/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1010/president.html livehttps://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/10/world/europe/ireland-troubles-deaths/? Reminders of Irish 'troubles' rise to surface CNN 11 October 2011 13 October 2011 5 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305094417/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/10/world/europe/ireland-troubles-deaths/ live In a RTÉ interview that aired on 20 October, Bryan Dobson noted a 1985 Hot Press interview in which McGuinness indicated that he considered the IRA volunteers at Ballinamore to be "defending themselves against armed Gardaí and soldiers." When Dobson then asked if it was "fair to say that on this occasion you were standing over the killing of members of the Gardaí and Defence Forces?" McGuinness insisted that he has "never done that".Six One News Thursday, 20 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20121001075940/http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1117954 1 October 2012 at 27 minutes, RTÉ News, 20 October 2011 The family of Garda Detective Frank Hand, killed in 1984, accused McGuinness of misleading younger generations with a "glossy campaign".http://www.independent.ie/national-news/mcguinness-is-misleading-the-young-says-dead-gardas-sister-2904536.html McGuinness is misleading the young, says dead garda's sister Irish Independent 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 15 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015184001/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/mcguinness-is-misleading-the-young-says-dead-gardas-sister-2904536.html liveNiall O'Connor. McGuinness 'has blood of tragic garda on his hands' herald.ie 12 October 2011. The husband of a mother killed by the IRA in 1981 said he doubted McGuinness' claims of ignorance about the identities of IRA killers, saying "If anybody knows who did it, he does. If he is full of apologies he has never apologised to me".http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/local/campaign_is_a_circus_says_murder_victim_s_husband_1_3144944 Campaign is a 'circus'- says murder victim's husband Londonderry Sentinel 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 30 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120330130025/http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/news/local/campaign_is_a_circus_says_murder_victim_s_husband_1_3144944 live In Northern Ireland, unionists took exception to the appearance of McGuinness election posters there given that Northern Ireland citizens were not eligible to vote in this election.http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/unionist_outrage_over_mcguinness_s_posters_1_3144584 Unionist outrage over McGuinness's posters The News Letter 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 15 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111015043614/http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/unionist_outrage_over_mcguinness_s_posters_1_3144584 live Sinn Féin has regularly called for voting rights in the presidential election to be extended to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0811/1224302232020.html Sinn Féin urges presidential voting rights for North The Irish Times 11 August 2011 Marie O'Halloran 14 October 2011 12 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110812234114/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0811/1224302232020.html live Michael D. Higgins was confronted by former Tara mines workers while canvassing in Meath. The workers were upset about their pensions being cut. Debates The first broadcast debate of the campaign took place on 28 September 2011, the day that nominations closed, on RTÉ Radio 1's News at One programme. This was followed by a series of televised one-on-one interviews with the candidates on RTÉ One's evening Prime Time programme on the same day.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0928/news1pm.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111001010918/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0928/news1pm.html dead 1 October 2011 News at One RTÉ News 28 September 2011 29 September 2011 http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/last-nights-tv-primetime-presential-debate-2891656.html Last night's TV: Primetime presential debate Fallon Johnny 29 September 2011 Irish Independent 29 September 2011 16 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111016012422/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/last-nights-tv-primetime-presential-debate-2891656.html live A second debate was held on The Late Late Show on 30 September; David Norris was not interviewed alone as the other six candidates were as he had been interviewed the previous week on the programme, but was included in the later panel debate.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0930/president_tracker.html As It Happened — Late Late Show debate RTÉ News 1 October 2011 1 October 2011 25 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225153725/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0930/306815-president_tracker/ live On 4 October, TV3 broadcast Vincent Browne's Big Presidential Debate.https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/brownes-the-big-winner-in-presidential-debate/27990959.html Browne's the big winner in presidential debate Evening Herald 5 October 2011 5 October 2011 23 September 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210923220052/https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/entertainment/tv-radio/brownes-the-big-winner-in-presidential-debate-27990959.html live Gay Mitchell challenged Martin McGuinness on the "fairytale" that he left the IRA in 1974, asking him directly: "If you (McGuinness) say you left the IRA in 1974 and persist in saying that when you didn’t; if you say you are living on the average industrial wage when you are drawing down a couple of hundred grand – how can people have confidence in your word?"http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/candidates-face-off-in-tv3-debate-523141.html Candidates face off in TV3 debate Irish Examiner 4 October 2011 4 October 2011 3 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210138/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/candidates-face-off-in-tv3-debate-523141.html live Moderator Vincent Browne later challenged Martin McGuinness' claims that he left the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1974, producing eight books with alleged evidence claiming otherwise.Niall O'Connor. Browne reveals McGuinness still in the IRA three years ago herald.ie 5 October 2011.Eithne Tynan. Last night's TV: Presidential Debate TV3 https://web.archive.org/web/20111007104102/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/last-nights-tv-presidential-debate-tv3-2896315.html 7 October 2011 Irish Independent 5 October 2011. McGuinness referenced this moment when he said in a later debate on the radio that people would blame him for the 1916 Rising if they could find a way to implicate him.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1011/breaking44.html Candidates hold radio debate The Irish Times 11 October 2011 11 October 2011 Ronan Mcgreevy 12 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111012125912/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1011/breaking44.html live Fine Gael candidate Gay Mitchell suffered heavily for his controversial views on suicide and on Ireland joining the Commonwealth. Labour candidate Michael D. Higgins was pursued by his past links to the unpopular Fianna Fáil and his admission that he had smoked cannabis. During a debate on Today FM Gay Mitchell controversially spoke of Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth, with some other candidates disagreeing with him.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1011/president.html Áras candidates take part in Today FM debate RTÉ News 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111013151550/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1011/president.html live Mitchell suffered from poor voter recognition,http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/voters-know-mitchell-very-well-after-a-quick-google-search-2900054.html Voters know Mitchell very well – after a quick Google search Irish Independent 8 October 2011 13 October 2011 9 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111009023533/http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/voters-know-mitchell-very-well-after-a-quick-google-search-2900054.html live and was criticised over remarks on suicide he made on live radio.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1003/president.html Mitchell remarks on suicide 'unfortunate' RTÉ News 4 October 2011 13 October 2011 3 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111003230313/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1003/president.html livehttp://www.irishcentral.com/news/Fine-Gael-candidate-threatens-to-throw-himself-into-the-Liffey-131042158.html Gay Mitchell slammed over throwaway suicide remark IrishCentral.com 4 October 2011 13 October 2011 26 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026091529/http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Fine-Gael-candidate-threatens-to-throw-himself-into-the-Liffey-131042158.html live On 12 October, Miriam O'Callaghan moderated a debate on RTÉ's Prime Time with the seven candidates.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1012/president_primetime.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111013033527/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1012/president_primetime.html dead 13 October 2011 Miriam O'Callaghan ready for 'challenge' RTÉ News 12 October 2011 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1012/breaking62.html Candidates in presidency debate The Irish Times 12 October 2011 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111013155103/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1012/breaking62.html live The debate, lasting 90 minutes, took place on a Wednesday night, though Prime Time usually aired on a Tuesday and Thursday, and was announced a week in advance.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/prime-time-to-stage-midrace-debate-2896211.html 'Prime Time' to stage mid-race debate Irish Independent 5 October 2011 14 October 2011 13 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111013051011/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/prime-time-to-stage-midrace-debate-2896211.html live Dana Rosemary Scallon read out a prepared statement towards the end of the debate, announcing that a "malicious" and "false" accusation has been made against her and her family in the United States and, while refusing to divulge any details, she said she would leave "no stone unturned" in her mission to track down the person or organisation responsible.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1012/president_tracker.html Live — Prime Time Debate: 2247 RTÉ News 12 October 2011 12 October 2011 13 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111013145702/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1012/president_tracker.html livehttp://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ojcweykfcwql/ Dana criticises "vile and false" accusation against member of her family Irish Examiner 12 October 2011 12 October 2011 17 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151017023838/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ojcweykfcwql/ live Scallon was visibly upset and was comforted by other candidates.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15286799 Presidential hopeful Dana comforted after 'vile' claim BBC News 13 October 2011 20 June 2018 2 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181102192727/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15286799 live She met with her lawyers the next day.http://www.thejournal.ie/dana-meeting-with-legal-team-over-unknown-allegations-253121-Oct2011/ Dana meeting with legal team over unknown allegations The Journal 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 14 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111014062502/http://www.thejournal.ie/dana-meeting-with-legal-team-over-unknown-allegations-253121-Oct2011/ live David Norris expressed sorrow for Scallon and comforted her, also expressing frustration at the general tone of the election campaign and saying the media had libelled him in some of its reports.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1013/president.html David Norris 'sorry' for Dana after statement RTÉ News 13 October 2011 13 October 2011 14 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111014031917/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1013/president.html live Scallon told TV3 News on 14 October that a freelance journalist had told her the allegations would appear through the media.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15314163 Dana rejects allegations made against relative BBC News 14 October 2011 20 June 2018 2 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181102192747/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15314163 live Miriam O'Callaghan's treatment of Martin McGuinness resulted in more than 100 complaints to RTÉ."RTÉ treatment of McGuinness generates over 100 complaints". Irish Times. 14 October 2011. O'Callaghan's RTÉ colleague Pat Kenny said he watched on "with shock and horror because I don't think I've ever seen a politician ever interviewed on radio before and more or less called a murderer. That was kind of shocking."Melanie Finn https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/i-back-miriam-but-wont-take-same-line-vows-kenny/27991587.html https://archive.today/20120804140025/http://www.herald.ie/news/i-back-miriam-but-wont-take-same-line-vows-kenny-2906590.html live 4 August 2012 I back Miriam but won't take same line, vows Kenny Evening Herald Independent News & Media 14 October 2011 14 October 2011 McGuinness himself also expressed disappointment with O'Callaghan.Gavan Reilly http://www.thejournal.ie/mcguinness-admits-frustration-at-unfair-prime-time-treatment-255045-Oct2011/ McGuinness admits frustration at "unfair" Prime Time treatment The Journal 15 October 2011 15 October 2011 17 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111017034009/http://www.thejournal.ie/mcguinness-admits-frustration-at-unfair-prime-time-treatment-255045-Oct2011/ live Gallagher's campaign suffered a severe setback on 24 October when, in the last televised debate before the election, he admitted collecting a €5,000 cheque from someone he described as a "convicted criminal and fuel smuggler", for a Fianna Fáil fundraiser event which gave access to the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen after being questioned on the matter by Martin McGuinness.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1025/breaking7.html Businessman says Gallagher collected €5,000 cheque 25 October 2011 The Irish Times 25 October 2011 25 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111025123458/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1025/breaking7.html livehttp://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1025/president.html Hugh Morgan says he handed cheque to Gallagher 25 October 2011 RTÉ 25 October 2011 25 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111025001951/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1025/president.html live Gallagher had been the frontrunner in an opinion poll at this point.McDonald, Henry. "Seán Gallagher is frontrunner in Irish presidential race before final TV debate" https://web.archive.org/web/20160309195712/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/24/sean-gallagher-irish-presidential-debate?newsfeed=true 9 March 2016 . The Guardian. 24 October 2011. The donation was later revealed to be from businessman Hugh Morgan. Gallagher subsequently denied collecting a cheque from Morgan, but refused to answer questions on an illegal director's loan of €82,829, which had also been raised in the 24 October televised debate.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1026/breaking3.html Gallagher tries to put Áras campaign back on course 25 October 2011 The Irish Times 25 October 2011 26 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026103155/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1026/breaking3.html live After this performance Gallagher's campaign was compared to Devon Loch's fall at the winning post in the 1956 Grand National."Surprises still possible in Irish presidential election" https://web.archive.org/web/20181124062553/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15481482 24 November 2018 . BBC News. 27 October 2011. He was reported to have been left "shell-shocked" afterwards.McKittrick, David. "Storm envelops favourite in Irish presidential race: Row over €5,000 Fianna Fail donation may dash businessman's chances of victory in today's vote" https://web.archive.org/web/20180828213312/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/storm-envelops-favourite-in-irish-presidential-race-2376411.html 28 August 2018 . The Independent. 27 October 2011. Gallagher cancelled his planned meet-the-people visits the following day so that he could tour broadcasters and attempt to explain his behaviour."'Dirty tricks' row dominates Irish presidential race as voters head to polls" https://web.archive.org/web/20180828204808/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8850875/Dirty-tricks-row-dominates-Irish-presidential-race-as-voters-head-to-polls.html 28 August 2018 . The Daily Telegraph. 27 October 2011. On 7 March 2012, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) upheld a complaint against RTÉ relating to the broadcasting of the tweet that derailed Gallagher's presidential campaign.http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0307/gallaghers.html BAI upholds complaint against Frontline tweet RTÉ News Raidió Teilifís Éireann 7 March 2012 7 March 2012 8 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308124305/http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/0307/gallaghers.html live Eventual winner Michael D. Higgins was pursued by his past links to the Fianna Fáil party, and admitted on 13 October that he had been elected chairman of the UCG Fianna Fáil university cumann in 1966.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/higgins-admits-he-smoked-dope-and-yes-he-inhaled-2904526.html Higgins admits he smoked dope – and yes, he inhaled Irish Independent 13 October 2011 Mark O'Regan 13 October 2011 15 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111115073205/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/higgins-admits-he-smoked-dope-and-yes-he-inhaled-2904526.html live While at university in the United States he had, he admitted, smoked marijuana. However, media reports said he was "spared the intense grilling Miriam O'Callaghan meted out to some of the others" during the Prime Time debate.https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/the-big-debate-verdict/27991470.html https://archive.today/20120909002657/http://www.herald.ie/news/the-big-debate-verdict-2904727.html live 9 September 2012 The big debate verdict Evening Herald 13 October 2011 +List of debatesDateBroadcasterModeratorLanguage30 September 2011http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0930/president_tracker.html As It Happened — Late Late Show debate 1 October 2011 RTÉ News 12 October 2011 25 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225153725/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0930/306815-president_tracker/ liveRTÉRyan TubridyEnglish4 October 2011http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president_tracker.html Live — Presidential debate RTÉ News 4 October 2011 4 October 2011 5 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111005184259/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president_tracker.html liveTV3Vincent BrowneEnglish11 October 2011"Mitchell 'would accept' Commonwealth membership for a united Ireland" https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214944/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/mitchell-would-accept-commonwealth-membership-for-a-united-ireland-523976.html 3 March 2016 . Irish Examiner. 11 October 2011.McGreevy, Ronan. "Candidates hold radio debate" https://web.archive.org/web/20111012125912/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1011/breaking44.html 12 October 2011 . The Irish Times. 11 October 2011.Today FMMatt CooperEnglish12 October 2011RTÉMiriam O'CallaghanEnglish18 October 2011http://aras2011.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/tg4-hits-stumbling-block-in-debate-plans/ TG4 Hits Stumbling Block in Debate Plans Aras2011.wordpress.com 30 September 2011 11 October 2011 25 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051125/http://aras2011.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/tg4-hits-stumbling-block-in-debate-plans/ live http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president_tracker.html As It Happened — Presidential debate RTÉ.ie 5 October 2011 11 October 2011 6 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111006185640/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1004/president_tracker.html live TG4Páidí Ó LionáirdIrish/Englishhttp://www.thejournal.ie/the-tg4-presidential-election-debate-as-it-happened-256764-Oct2011/ The TG4 Presidential Election debate, as it happened 18 October 2011 the journal.ie 18 October 2011 16 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181116090939/https://www.thejournal.ie/the-tg4-presidential-election-debate-as-it-happened-256764-Oct2011/ live22 October 2011http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1022/breaking11.html Old issues raise heads in debate 22 October 2011 The Irish Times 24 October 2011 Ciara O'Brien 23 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111023162728/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1022/breaking11.html liveRTÉ Radio 1Charlie BirdEnglish24 October 2011https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7B7Ziq3jMM Newstalk Google Presidential Debate 24 October 2011 YouTube 24 October 2011 28 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111028024811/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7B7Ziq3jMM&gl=US&hl=en liveNewstalkIvan YatesEnglish24 October 2011http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1024/president_tracker.html Live: Frontline Presidential Debate 24 October 2011 RTÉ News 24 October 2011 24 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111024212614/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1024/president_tracker.html liveRTÉPat KennyEnglish Campaign spending In February 2012 the Standards in Public Office Commission published the candidates' returns for campaign donations and election expenses.http://www.sipo.gov.ie/en/Reports/Elections/140212-ReporttoCeannComhairleRePresidentialElectionof27October2011/Name,15140,en.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20120219133652/http://www.sipo.gov.ie/en/Reports/Elections/140212-ReporttoCeannComhairleRePresidentialElectionof27October2011/Name%2C15140%2Cen.htm dead 19 February 2012 Donations and election expenses disclosed Report to Ceann Comhairle Re Presidential Election of 27 October 2012 Standards in Public Office Commission 14 February 2012 Candidates who receive more than 25% of a quota (i.e. 12.5% of the total votes; 221,471 votes) at any stage are entitled to a refund of election expenses to a maximum of €200,000.http://www.sipo.gov.ie/en/Guidelines/Elections/GuidelinesforthePresidentialElection-2011/ https://web.archive.org/web/20120115075628/http://www.sipo.gov.ie/en/Guidelines/Elections/GuidelinesforthePresidentialElection-2011/ dead 15 January 2012 Guidelines for the Presidential Election – 2011 2011 Standards in Public Office Commission 18 February 2012 Three candidates received the maximum refund allowed; the other four had too few votes and received no refund. Only donations above €638 need be reported, making the reported totals less meaningful.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2012/0218/1224311977306.html Áras race shows money and spin can't buy success Whelan Noel 18 February 2012 The Irish Times 18 February 2012 18 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120218042437/https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2012/0218/1224311977306.html live Gay Mitchell had stated his campaign would be funded by a Fine Gael members' lottery. Opinion polls Polling before finalisation of candidates Last dateof polling Commissioner Polling firm AhernByrneCrowleyDavisFinlayGallagherHigginsMcGuinnessMitchellNorrisScallon2011-09-28 28 September 2011Nomination period closes7 September 2011Paddy PowerRed CColwell Richard September 2011 Michael D Higgins leads the race for president https://redcresearch.com/michael-d-higgins-leads-the-race-for-president/ Red C Research 21 December 202519%21%36%24% 2011-08-13 13 August 2011Gay Byrne declines to run10 August 2011Paddy PowerRed CColwell Richard August 2011 Gay Byrne tops Paddy Power presidential poll https://redcresearch.com/gay-byrne-tops-paddy-power-presidential-poll/ Red C Research 21 December 202528%13%7%12%21%13% 6%2011-08-02 2 August 2011David Norris withdraws6 January 2011Paddy PowerRed CColwell Richard January 2011 Norris for President? https://redcresearch.com/norris-for-president/ Red C Research 21 December 202512%10%10%11%13%27% Vote Voting took place between 07:00 and 22:00 (IST) on 27 October.http://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2011/september/Ir020911.pdf Presidential Election Order 2011 Iris Oifigiúil 2 September 2011 26 October 2011 14 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120414230519/http://www.irisoifigiuil.ie/archive/2011/september/Ir020911.pdf live As usual, voting began on certain offshore islands a few days before the rest of the country. On the Donegal islands of Arranmore, Gola, Inishfree, Inisbofin and Tory, voting took place on 24 October between 11:00 and 15:00 (11:00 and 19:30 on Arranmore). On 25 October, the Mayo islands of Clare Island, Inishbiggle and Inishturk went to the polls; while the Galway islands of Inishbofin and the Aran Islands voted on 26 October between 07:00 and 22:00.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1026/president.html Voting under way on Aran Islands, Inis Bofin RTÉ News 26 October 2011 26 October 2011 26 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111026045721/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1026/president.html live After 15 hours of voting, ballot boxes were secured, with nationwide counting of votes beginning the following morning after presidential votes were separated from constitutional referendum votes (which were due to be counted later)."Polls open to elect president and vote on referendums" https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221405/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/polls-open-to-elect-president-and-vote-on-referendums-525942.html 3 March 2016 . Irish Examiner. 27 October 2011."Polls open for presidential election" https://web.archive.org/web/20111028151820/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/polls-open-for-presidential-election-2917904.html 28 October 2011 . Irish Independent. 27 October 2011."Voting Opens in Presidential Election" https://web.archive.org/web/20111028172232/http://www.hotpress.com/Michael-D-Higgins/news/Voting-Opens-in-Presidential-Election/8449243.html?new_layout=1 28 October 2011 . Hot Press. 27 October 2011."Polling closes in Presidential Election" https://web.archive.org/web/20111028003726/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1027/president.html 28 October 2011 . RTÉ News. 27 October 2011. Result Counting of votes began at 09:00 on 28 October. The fourth and final count was completed by 15:56 on 29 October.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1029/vote_tracker.html Live: Michael D Higgins elected President RTÉ 29 October 2011 29 October 2011 28 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111028230851/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1029/vote_tracker.html live 2011 Irish presidential electionhttp://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Voting/FileDownLoad%2C661%2Cen.pdf Presidential Elections 1938–2011 Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government 7 September 2018 34 20 December 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171220201718/http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Voting/FileDownLoad,661,en.pdf live 4 Michael D. Higgins Labour Party (Ireland) Oireachtas: Labour Party 39.6 701,101 730,480 793,128 1,007,104 Seán Gallagher Independent politician (Ireland) County and City Councils 28.5 504,964 529,401 548,373 628,114 Martin McGuinness Sinn Féin Oireachtas: Sinn Féin & Independents 13.7 243,030 252,611 265,196 Gay Mitchell Fine Gael Oireachtas: Fine Gael 6.4 113,321 127,357 136,309 David Norris Independent politician (Ireland) County and City Councils 6.2 109,469 116,526 Dana Rosemary Scallon Independent politician (Ireland) County and City Councils 2.9 51,220 Mary Davis Independent politician (Ireland) County and City Councils 2.7 48,657 4 3,191,157 1,771,762 18,676 (1.0%) 885,882 1,790,438 (56.1%) First preference vote #ddd 600px 410px Higgins Labour Party (Ireland) 39.6 Gallagher Independent politician 28.5 McGuinness Sinn Féin 13.7 Mitchell Fine Gael 6.4 Norris Independent politician 6.2 Scallon Independent politician 2.9 Davis Independent politician 2.7 Final percentage #ddd 600px 410px Higgins Labour Party (Ireland) 56.8 Gallagher Independent politician 35.5 Results by constituency First count +First preference votes by constituencyhttp://www.rte.ie/news/presidentialelection/results.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111028230925/http://www.rte.ie/news/presidentialelection/results.html 28 October 2011 Vote 2011 – Presidential Election RTÉ News 28 October 2011 28 October 2011Presidential Elections 1938 to 2018 https://www.presidentialelection.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/presidential-elections-1938-to-2018.pdf www.presidentialelection.ie 29 October 2025 Constituency Davis Gallagher Higgins McGuinness Mitchell Norris Scallon Spoiled ballotsThe percentage of spoiled votes is out of all ballots cast, not the valid poll. Thus, the percentages sum to more than 100%. TurnoutVotes%Votes%Votes%Votes%Votes%Votes%Votes%Votes%Votes% Carlow–Kilkenny 1,143 1.9 19,846 33.8 21,574 36.7 7,257 12.4 4,511 7.7 2,792 4.8 1,614 2.7 591 1.0 59,328 55.6 Cavan–Monaghan 1,071 1.8 26,150 45.1 11,471 19.8 11,940 20.6 4,109 7.1 1,636 2.8 1,587 2.7 554 1.0 58,518 59.1 Clare 890 1.9 14,779 31.4 20,828 44.3 4,950 10.5 2,545 5.4 1,707 3.6 1,313 2.8 405 0.9 47,417 58.2 Cork East 923 3.0 15,455 34.4 16,435 36.6 6,193 13.8 2,678 6.0 1,921 4.3 1,348 2.1 509 1.1 45,462 55.0 Cork North-Central 693 1.7 11,526 28.1 15,427 37.6 8,201 20.0 1,911 4.7 2,090 5.1 1,178 2.9 576 1.4 41,602 55.0 Cork North-West 561 1.5 14,362 38.4 12,836 34.3 4,329 11.6 2,836 7.6 1,380 3.7 1,109 3.0 371 1.0 37,784 60.8 Cork South-Central 1,080 2.0 13,224 24.9 23,861 45.0 7,496 14.1 2,488 4.7 3,423 6.5 1,476 2.8 662 1.2 53,710 58.6 Cork South-West 770 2.2 12,449 35.0 12,047 33.9 4,608 13.0 3,035 8.5 1,534 4.3 1,128 3.2 370 1.0 35,941 59.7 Donegal North-East 598 2.1 7,978 28.2 6,516 23.1 9,085 32.2 1,384 4.9 788 2.8 1,905 6.7 328 1.2 28,582 48.8 Donegal South-West 660 2.1 9,912 32.3 7,093 23.1 8,738 28.4 1,620 5.3 916 3.0 1,777 5.8 352 1.1 31,068 48.4 Dublin Central 820 2.9 4,577 16.4 12,267 44.0 4,485 16.1 1,392 5.0 3,588 12.9 756 2.7 351 1.2 28,236 51.8 Dublin Mid-West 1,039 3.1 7,436 22.1 13,594 40.3 5,374 15.9 2,176 6.5 3,428 10.2 670 2.0 396 1.2 34,113 53.0 Dublin North 1,253 3.2 10,014 25.5 17,630 44.8 4,097 10.4 1,742 4.4 3,868 9.8 726 1.8 401 1.0 39,731 57.3 Dublin North-Central 1,148 2.5 6,603 20.1 15,230 46.4 3,678 11.2 1,953 5.9 3,434 10.5 812 3.5 381 1.2 33,239 64.0 Dublin North-East 1,491 4.4 7,138 21.0 14,956 43.9 4,484 13.2 1,727 5.1 3,512 10.3 754 2.2 400 1.2 34,462 59.8 Dublin North-West 1,491 3.7 7,138 20.3 14,956 38.8 4,484 19.9 1,727 4.4 3,512 10.6 754 2.3 358 1.4 25,361 59.8 Dublin South 915 3.3 5,069 20.0 9,709 51.1 4,985 6.5 1,111 7.3 2,638 9.8 576 2.0 514 0.8 64,492 50.3 Dublin South-Central 2,100 2.7 12,814 15.0 32,673 39.9 4,146 16.6 4,684 12.1 6,265 11.4 1,296 2.3 529 1.3 41,604 61.9 Dublin South-East 1,116 3.2 6,154 13.7 16,391 53.5 6,803 7.5 4,971 8.2 4,703 11.7 937 2.2 295 1.0 30,780 53.6 Dublin South-West 1,127 3.1 7,947 22.0 14,530 40.1 6,006 16.6 2,345 6.5 3,482 9.6 758 2.1 474 1.3 36,669 52.4 Dublin West 1,174 3.3 8,677 24.1 15,539 43.2 4,278 11.9 1,916 5.3 3,632 10.1 733 2.0 370 1.0 36,319 59.0 Dún Laoghaire 1,711 3.5 8,626 17.0 25,616 52.5 3,355 6.9 3,424 7.0 4,973 10.2 1,058 2.2 428 0.9 49,191 60.0 Galway East 1,053 2.3 13,473 28.9 21,554 46.2 4,849 10.4 2,905 6.2 1,177 2.5 1,670 3.6 411 0.9 47,092 57.5 Galway West 900 1.8 9,281 18.5 28,970 57.6 5,392 10.7 2,326 4.6 1,660 3.3 1,745 3.5 414 0.9 50,688 53.5 Kerry North–West Limerick 757 2.2 9,909 29.0 12,947 37.9 5,739 16.8 2,221 6.5 1,301 3.8 1,260 3.7 391 1.1 34,525 54.7 Kerry South 838 2.7 9,668 30.6 11,604 36.7 4,723 14.9 2,302 7.3 1,246 3.9 1,232 3.9 356 1.1 31,969 55.3 Kildare North 1,198 2.8 11,615 26.9 19,775 45.8 3,796 8.8 2,364 5.5 3,490 8.1 896 2.1 329 0.8 43,463 56.7 Kildare South 937 3.0 9,733 31.4 12,447 40.2 3,553 11.5 1,681 5.4 1,966 6.3 645 2.1 333 1.1 31,295 54.0 Laois–Offaly 1,181 2.0 22,115 31.8 18,686 37.6 7,663 13.0 3,891 6.6 3,547 6.0 1,765 3.0 517 0.9 59,365 55.5 Limerick 819 2.2 12,238 33.5 14,134 38.7 3,854 10.6 2,864 7.8 1,369 3.7 1,239 3.4 359 1.0 36,876 55.6 Limerick City 648 1.9 7,643 22.2 16,935 49.3 4,150 12.1 1,917 5.6 2,065 6.0 1,004 2.9 363 1.1 34,725 52.3 Longford–Westmeath 945 2.1 15,166 33.7 15,987 35.5 5,885 13.1 3,372 7.5 2,154 4.8 1,550 3.4 484 1.1 45,543 53.0 Louth 1,316 2.3 17,027 29.6 20,844 36.3 11,499 20.0 2,359 4.1 3,141 5.5 1,267 2.2 673 1.2 58,126 56.5 Mayo 4,981 9.4 13,370 25.2 20,329 38.3 6,300 11.9 4,878 9.2 1,483 2.8 1,719 3.2 567 1.1 53,627 54.9 Meath East 995 2.8 11,300 32.2 13,397 38.1 4,095 11.7 2,199 6.3 2,340 6.7 818 2.3 309 0.9 35,453 54.2 Meath West 831 2.5 10,972 33.5 11,280 34.4 4,865 14.9 1,982 6.1 1,928 5.9 889 2.7 324 1.0 33,071 52.4 Roscommon–South Leitrim 1,070 4.4 13,011 36.0 11,480 31.8 5,286 14.6 2,334 6.5 1,322 3.7 1,589 3.0 394 1.1 36,486 60.4 Sligo–North Leitrim 1,112 2.9 9,943 23.9 12,363 42.2 5,464 13.3 2,360 8.1 1,349 6.6 1,299 2.8 361 1.1 34,251 55.1 Tipperary North 890 2.3 13,491 35.6 13,197 34.8 4,459 11.8 3,121 8.2 1,385 3.7 1,399 3.7 439 1.1 38,381 61.3 Tipperary South 761 2.4 11,003 34.1 11,411 35.4 4,188 13.0 2,517 7.8 1,415 4.4 975 3.0 348 1.1 32,618 57.9 Waterford 918 2.2 13,107 31.0 16,340 38.7 5,737 13.6 2,489 5.9 2,451 5.8 1,218 2.9 471 1.1 42,731 54.1 Wexford 1,462 2.5 19,685 33.9 21,010 36.2 8,112 14.0 3,459 6.0 2,797 4.8 1,477 2.5 627 1.1 58,629 54.0 Wicklow 1,787 2.4 16,299 28.4 23,873 41.6 6,644 11.6 2,736 4.8 4,599 8.0 1,386 3.1 591 1.1 57,915 61.7 Total 48,657 2.7 504,964 28.5 701,101 39.6 243,030 13.7 113,321 6.4 109,469 6.2 51,220 2.9 18,676 1.0 1,790,438 56.1 Reactions Fine Gael General Secretary Tom Curran called it a "bad day" for the party, adding "From early on the electorate had the view that Gay (Mitchell) was out of the race and that it was a two person race". Mitchell received only about one in eight votes from his previous constituency of Dublin South-Central.http://www.irishexaminer.com/racetothearas/news/higgins-in-poll-position-as-mitchell-sees-campaign-crash-526229.html https://archive.today/20120907130117/http://www.irishexaminer.com/racetothearas/news/higgins-in-poll-position-as-mitchell-sees-campaign-crash-526229.html dead 7 September 2012 Higgins in poll position as Mitchell sees campaign crash Irish Examiner 28 October 2011https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/28/higgins-ahead-irish-presidential-election?newsfeed=true Higgins ahead in Irish presidential election McDonald Henry The Guardian 28 October 2011 London 28 October 2011 9 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160309145106/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/28/higgins-ahead-irish-presidential-election?newsfeed=true live Mitchell performed considerably worse than Fine Gael's 1990 candidate Austin Currie which was one of the party's most unsuccessful election campaigns.http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111028151007/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html dead 28 October 2011 Live: Election Count 1327 RTÉ News 28 October 2011 Gallagher's sudden demise was compared to Devon Loch's fall at the winning post in the 1956 Grand National. Speaking at the RDS count centre, David Norris conceded and sent Higgins his congratulations, calling him "a bit of a maverick like myself".http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1028/breaking1.html Tallies indicate Higgins set to become next president The Irish Times 28 October 2011 28 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111028110611/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1028/breaking1.html livehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8855508/Michael-D-Higgins-on-course-win-Ireland-presidency.html Michael D Higgins on course win Ireland presidency The Daily Telegraph 28 October 2011 London 28 October 2011 29 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111029004957/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/8855508/Michael-D-Higgins-on-course-win-Ireland-presidency.html live Norris mentioned on radio that he had been "collecting apologies in the newspapers" and that they "told the truth in the end".http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html https://web.archive.org/web/20111028151007/http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1028/vote_tracker.html dead 28 October 2011 Live: Election Count 1157 and 1143 RTÉ News 28 October 2011 Higgins received a hero's welcome at a victory reception on 30 October at Eyre Square, Galway; approximately 5,000 people turned out to welcome him home.http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/tribal-homecoming-to-city-that-stole-his-heart-2921371.html Tribal homecoming to city that stole his heart 30 October 2011 Irish Independent 1 November 2011 1 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111101102353/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/tribal-homecoming-to-city-that-stole-his-heart-2921371.html livehttp://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/irish-presidentelect-michael-d-higgins-welcomed-home-16070985.html https://archive.today/20120720013857/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/irish-presidentelect-michael-d-higgins-welcomed-home-16070985.html dead 20 July 2012 Irish president-elect Michael D Higgins welcomed home 31 October 2011 Belfast Telegraph 1 November 2011 http://www.irishexaminer.com/racetothearas/analysis/tribal-welcome-home-for-president-elect-172377.html https://archive.today/20130126154409/http://www.irishexaminer.com/racetothearas/analysis/tribal-welcome-home-for-president-elect-172377.html dead 26 January 2013 Tribal welcome home for President-elect 31 October 2011 Irish Examiner 1 November 2011 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/29/michael-d-higgins-becomes-irish-president?newsfeed=true Michael D Higgins becomes Irish president 31 October 2011 The Guardian 1 November 2011 London 15 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160315073805/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/29/michael-d-higgins-becomes-irish-president?newsfeed=true live Notes References 30em collapsed Irish Presidential Election Category:Michael D. Higgins 2011 Presidential Election Irish presidential election, 2011 Irish