Menu
17/10/2011
Mitchell Rejects Opinion Poll
Fine Gael Presidential candidate Gay Mitchell has discarded the findings of the latest opinion poll while fellow Labour candidate Michael D Higgins has rejected claims that he is too old to run for Aras.
The Red C Poll published in Sunday’s Business Post showed Mr Mitchell having dropped a further two points, since the last poll, to 8%.
Mr Mitchell said 40% of people decided their voting intention in the last general election in the seven days leading to the ballot and Fine Gael will 'turn out' the vote leading to a very different picture on Thursday week.
Meanwhile Mr Higgins who saw an increase of two points in the poll bringing him to 27% has described the talk of him being too old to be the next President of Ireland as "crude".
He said any suggestions that the difference between the two front runners, this being himself and Independent candidate Sean Gallagher, in the latest opinion poll was related to the age-groups to which they were appealing would be to get it entirely wrong.
According to Higgins the differences were that he was bringing essential requirements to the presidency, including knowledge of how the constitution works.
However Higgins is no longer leading the race after Gallagher saw his support increase by 18 points since the last Red C poll nine days ago and is now on 39%.
All the other candidates have lost support with Martin McGuinness down three to 13%, David Norris down seven to 7%, Mary Davis down five to 4% and Dana Rosemary Scallon down three to 2%.
Significant Announcements
Meanwhile, Independent David Norris - who saw his support halved in the survey - said he would make a "significant announcement" at Government Buildings
But the "significant announcement" amounted to nothing more than a pitch for office during which Senator Norris said he is the only genuine Independent in the race for the Áras.
He also said the current Fine Gael and Labour coalition was no different to any Government before it, in putting preservation of the system above the welfare of the people.
Senator Norris was originally scheduled to take part in a debate with the other candidates later today, but his team failed to confirm his attendance at that event last night.
Family Accusations For Dana
A dramatic statement made by independent candidate, Dana, is believed to be a direct result of sexual abuse allegations lodged against a family member in 2008 being uncovered.
She hinted that the allegations were about to emerge during a presidential debate last Wednesday night in which she described the claims as "malicious" and "vile".
(LB/CD)
The Red C Poll published in Sunday’s Business Post showed Mr Mitchell having dropped a further two points, since the last poll, to 8%.
Mr Mitchell said 40% of people decided their voting intention in the last general election in the seven days leading to the ballot and Fine Gael will 'turn out' the vote leading to a very different picture on Thursday week.
Meanwhile Mr Higgins who saw an increase of two points in the poll bringing him to 27% has described the talk of him being too old to be the next President of Ireland as "crude".
He said any suggestions that the difference between the two front runners, this being himself and Independent candidate Sean Gallagher, in the latest opinion poll was related to the age-groups to which they were appealing would be to get it entirely wrong.
According to Higgins the differences were that he was bringing essential requirements to the presidency, including knowledge of how the constitution works.
However Higgins is no longer leading the race after Gallagher saw his support increase by 18 points since the last Red C poll nine days ago and is now on 39%.
All the other candidates have lost support with Martin McGuinness down three to 13%, David Norris down seven to 7%, Mary Davis down five to 4% and Dana Rosemary Scallon down three to 2%.
Significant Announcements
Meanwhile, Independent David Norris - who saw his support halved in the survey - said he would make a "significant announcement" at Government Buildings
But the "significant announcement" amounted to nothing more than a pitch for office during which Senator Norris said he is the only genuine Independent in the race for the Áras.
He also said the current Fine Gael and Labour coalition was no different to any Government before it, in putting preservation of the system above the welfare of the people.
Senator Norris was originally scheduled to take part in a debate with the other candidates later today, but his team failed to confirm his attendance at that event last night.
Family Accusations For Dana
A dramatic statement made by independent candidate, Dana, is believed to be a direct result of sexual abuse allegations lodged against a family member in 2008 being uncovered.
She hinted that the allegations were about to emerge during a presidential debate last Wednesday night in which she described the claims as "malicious" and "vile".
(LB/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 October 2011
Candidates Set For Third Debate
Ireland's presidential hopefuls will go head to head later today for their third debate of the election campaign. Today FM's The Last Word is hosting the event at the Sugar Club on Dublin's Leeson Street. Presenter Matt Cooper will chair the debate, which will be broadcast live on the station from 4.30pm.
Candidates Set For Third Debate
Ireland's presidential hopefuls will go head to head later today for their third debate of the election campaign. Today FM's The Last Word is hosting the event at the Sugar Club on Dublin's Leeson Street. Presenter Matt Cooper will chair the debate, which will be broadcast live on the station from 4.30pm.
06 October 2011
Higgins Is 'Top Of The Poll'
Presidential hopeful Michael D Higgins is leading the race for Aras while fellow candidates Gay Mitchell and Senator David Norris are struggling for support. Results from the Ipso MRBI poll suggest Mr Higgins is leading the race at 23% up five points from the previous poll taken in July.
Higgins Is 'Top Of The Poll'
Presidential hopeful Michael D Higgins is leading the race for Aras while fellow candidates Gay Mitchell and Senator David Norris are struggling for support. Results from the Ipso MRBI poll suggest Mr Higgins is leading the race at 23% up five points from the previous poll taken in July.
05 May 2010
Poll Bid By 'Bog Hotel' Candidate
As the UK entered the last 24-hours before the General Election, it has emerged that the controversial owner of the so-called 'Bog Hotel' in Co Donegal has said he will run as an Independent in the Donegal South West bye-election.
Poll Bid By 'Bog Hotel' Candidate
As the UK entered the last 24-hours before the General Election, it has emerged that the controversial owner of the so-called 'Bog Hotel' in Co Donegal has said he will run as an Independent in the Donegal South West bye-election.
10 October 2011
Mitchell A 'Fantastic Candidate' Say FG
Presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell has remained upbeat despite his poor ranking in the latest polls. The Fine Gael candidate defended his low poll ratings stating he has the most experience, energy and innovation for the post. Meanwhile Fine Gael (FG) has assured Mr Mitchell that he has their full support.
Mitchell A 'Fantastic Candidate' Say FG
Presidential hopeful Gay Mitchell has remained upbeat despite his poor ranking in the latest polls. The Fine Gael candidate defended his low poll ratings stating he has the most experience, energy and innovation for the post. Meanwhile Fine Gael (FG) has assured Mr Mitchell that he has their full support.
13 October 2011
'Malicious' Claims To Push Dana Out Of Race?
The seven Irish Presidential candidates have last night taken part in their third TV debate with independent candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon taking the spotlight this time - to deny "false" allegations made against her family - and to hint she may withdraw if the issue escalates.
'Malicious' Claims To Push Dana Out Of Race?
The seven Irish Presidential candidates have last night taken part in their third TV debate with independent candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon taking the spotlight this time - to deny "false" allegations made against her family - and to hint she may withdraw if the issue escalates.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
