Anti-Abortion groups and parties set up to promote "Christian values" at a political level are not supporting the presidential bid of the former Eurovision winner, Dana. Earlier this month, Dana, whose real name is Rosemary Brown, announced her candidacy from the US, where she has a career as a broadcaster with a conservative Catholic television station.
A spokeswoman for the National Party, founded by Nora Bennis, immediately pledged support. However, other anti-abortion campaigners have been largely silent since then.
Dana launched her candidacy without contacting the main lobbyists associated with campaigns against abortion and divorce here, who have all expressed varying degrees of surprise at her election bid.
Her candidacy was prompted by the Christian Community Centre, whose director is retired solicitor Mr Gerry O'Mahoney. He told The Irish Times: "It is the result of prayer. It was initiated from above." In response to a request for further details he issued a statement saying that the question of a presidential candidate arose at a "forum" meeting of the group on July 6th last.
"In ranging through candidates the name Dana was mentioned with almost electric effect", it said. "It was unanimously agreed that a deputation meet her in Alabama immediately to discuss the matter fully. It was also agreed that an appeal for prayer go out for the success of the mission."
Senator Des Hanafin, chairman of the Pro-Life Campaign, told The Irish Times yesterday: "She made no contact with me whatsoever. Dana's a lovely girl, I know her. But, to be realistic, that girl has no chance whatsoever of getting a nomination."
Mr Joe McCarroll, also of the Pro-Life Campaign, said: "She's not a candidate for me anyway. They (the PLC) haven't got anything to do with it. I don't see what benefit it would be to us to have an activist in there."
Dr Gerard Casey, chairman of the Christian Solidarity Party, said that he had not been approached by anyone on Dana's behalf. "She is not being supported by any of the political parties on our side that I know of . . . No approaches for support have been made."
Mr Peter Scully, of Family and Life, said that he did not know who was supporting her. "We aren't, Youth Defence isn't, the PLC isn't." He added: "The thinking pro-life money would be on Michael O'Kennedy."
Do other anti-abortion campaigners agree? "Michael O'Kennedy would be broadly acceptable in many ways to people of my persuasion", Dr Casey said.
Mr Hanafin was more circumspect. "Naturally, as a Tipperary man, I'd like to see a Tipperary man in there. I'd like to see a fellow like (William) Binchy get a nomination."