Controversal McGuinness 'Heading South?'

Things are looking good for Londonderry's Martin McGuinness as the life-long republican seeks nomination to Ireland's highest post.

With 17 Oireachtas Sinn Fein members backing his bid, only three extra signatures are now needed in order to ensure the Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister a place on the ballot paper for the Irish Presidency.

Despite this Mr McGuinness's race for Presidency has not come without controversy. A senior Fine Gael Minister has said he does not think it would be good for Ireland if McGuinness becomes President.

The Environment Minister Phil Hogan said, while it is open for anyone to contest the election, the Sinn Fein candidate has "too much baggage".

Fintan O'Toole of the Irish Times also spoke out against Mr McGuinness saying he should not be President because he could be arrested for war crimes. Former Justice Minister Michael McDowell has also condemned Mr McGuinness for his connections with the IRA.

Meanwhile Luke Ming Flanagan has said he would have backed David Norris as a presidential candidate if he could have withdrawn his nomination for Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness.

Broadcaster and journalist Eamon Dunphy has however hit out at critics of the Presidential candidate. Mr Dunphy has said he will be voting in favour of the Sinn Fein candidate.

Mr McGuiness has insisted that voters should not focus on his IRA past in the Irish presidential contest and will instead judge him on his record as a peacemaker.

"The reality is that people know my past," he said.

"I have put myself before the electorate on countless occasions since 1982 and particularly since 1997 when I was first elected as MP for Mid Ulster.

"If people want to examine the past, then let's examine the past of everybody," he said. "I work for what's happening now, what's happening in the future, building better relationships with unionists and moving forward to continue to steward one of the most successful peace processes in the world today."

Facing fresh questions over his time as a paramilitary commander, Mr McGuinness said he had never hidden his involvement in the IRA.

Former MEP, Derry's Dana Rosemary Scallon is also continuing her efforts to gain support.

There are indications Donegal County Council may back Dana after it emerged Fianna Fáil councillors have secured a special meeting of the council on Tuesday.

Norris Needs Backing

Meanwhile, with less than a week to go, Senator David Norris, has still to secure three signatures to place him on Ireland's Presidential ballot papers.

Senator Norris is expected to make further contact with TDs and Senators today as part of his attempt to run for President.

There are two options open to Mr Norris. One is gaining more signatures from members of the Oireachtas or he can appeal for support from the local authorities.

With Fingal County Council already supporting him, Kilkenny, Carlow, Roscommon, Laois and South Dublin councils are among those expected to discuss the issue when they meet next Monday.

Norris already has 16 signatures. Added to his own, that leaves him three short of the required 20.

Independent Waterford TD John Halligan and Senator Marie Louise O'Donnell gave their backing to Senator Norris yesterday.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 28 September. Presidential candidates must secure the support of either at least four city or county councils or 20 members of parliament.

(LB/BMcC)