Members of Offaly and North Tipperary county councils have tonight unanimously rejected a request by former MEP, Dana Rosemary Scallon, for a nomination to contest the presidential election.
Kerry, Longford and Monaghan councils also rebuffed attempts by Ms Scallon to secure their support.
North Tipperary County Council supported Ms Scallon on her previous presidential election bid, but this time rejected her request without any debate on the matter.
Philo O'Kelly, the Longford Fine Gael Councillor who proposed Dana for the presidency in 1997, has accused her party of disgraceful behaviour by blocking the former MEP's efforts to seek a nomination today.
Dana has accused the Fine Gael leadership of stamping on the democratic rights of the party's local councillors
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Ms Scallon said if her attempts to get a nomination for the Presidency are rejected today, it will represent rejection not by councillors but by the political establishment.
She said that if she is rejected today, she will continue to seek nominations from other councils.
Salafia to seek nomination
In related news, the heritage protection campaigner, Vincent Salafia, has announced his intention to seek a nomination for the forthcoming presidential election, which will take place on 22 October.
Mr Salafia, a US-trained lawyer, is currently the PRO for the group campaigning against the construction of the M3 motorway in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co Meath.
He said he was confident of securing the necessary support because he was independent and not affiliated to any political party.
