Donegal County Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of Dana going forward as a presidential election candidate, despite directives from at least one of the main political parties to its members to oppose her. At a special meeting in Lifford yesterday morning, 12 out of the 18 members present indicated their support for the former Eurovision winner, while just three voted against and three abstained. Ten members did not attend.
Following a tense two hours, a jubilant Dana emerged victorious. "I truly believe on such an historic day for Ireland, both North and South, in the struggle for democracy and peace, Donegal has played its part," she said.
The Derry-born singer with strong Donegal connections (she reminded members that her grandfather had come from Burt) received cross-party support, the majority from Fianna Fail. She was proposed by an Independent Fianna Fail councillor, Mr Paddy Kelly, and seconded by ail Deputy Mr Harry Blaney TD. Among her FF supporters were Messrs Francis Brennan, Hugh Conaghan, James McBrearty, Sean McEniff, Noel McGinley and Dennis McGonagle.
She received just one Fine Gael vote from Mr Seamus Gill; a Labour vote from Mr Sean Maloney; and the support of an Independent councillor, Mr Fred Coll, and Mr Seamus Rodgers of Democratic Left.
Dana arrived in Donegal on Sunday evening, and before yesterday morning's meeting - to which she was accompanied by her husband Damien, mother Sheila, sisters Susan and Eileen, and brother John - she comprehensively lobbied councillors.
After she addressed the council, the Fine Gael leader in the chamber. Mr Colm Gallagher, said his party members had received instructions from party headquarters that morning to oppose all candidates except the official Fine Gael nominee. Support for anyone else would amount to a breach of the party's code of conduct.
The directive was signed by the party's general secretary, Mr Jim Miley, and the chairman of the parliamentary party, Mr Phil Hogan TD. Two other Fine Gael councillors, Mr Charlie Bennett and Mr Bernard McGuinness, followed the directive and voted against Dana. Abstaining from the vote were the FG council chairwoman, Ms Maureen Doohan, Mr Paddy Harte and Mr Frank O'Kelly.
Addressing the chamber, Dana said they, like her, wanted the best Ireland for their children and grandchildren, a country of economic opportunity, moral responsibility and one that was open and democratic. She was quick to assure her audience that, despite what they had read or heard, she was not an extremist or a member of any organisation.
"I believe in respect for life. I believe in Ireland's faith in God. I believe in a moral and caring society that reaches out to those in need," she said.
Dana told the council that she had been in contact with advisers of the Taoiseach earlier yesterday and had been told that they had not applied the party whip.
"We are not going against party whips by exercising the constitutional function of Donegal County Council. No party or whip can deny you that right," she told members.
Following a brief adjournment, the meeting resumed and Dana was proposed and seconded. Mr Harry Blaney TD said it was only right that they should be allowed to exercise their democratic right.
Mr Seamus Rodgers (DL) said there was a constituency that shared the views of Dana. "Let us give them the safety valve of the ballot box to have those views expressed." Mr James McBrearty (FF) said he admired everything Dana stood for. "She is a good influence on the youth of Ireland. I know everyone would wish she had the opportunity to go before the people," he said.
Following Mr Colm Gallagher's directive to the FG members, Mr Paddy Harte said the consensus among his supporters was that while they may not support her they would not oppose her. But his party colleague, Mr Seamus Gill, said that he did not believe that any citizen should be refused the right to stand.