Ross signs Norris nomination

Dublin South Independent TD Shane Ross has said he will sign Senator David Norris' nomination papers for the Presidential election…

Dublin South Independent TD Shane Ross has said he will sign Senator David Norris' nomination papers for the Presidential election.

Mr Ross said that although he will be supporting Michael D Higgins for the presidency, he was signing the nomination papers because he did not want to be "one of the instruments that obstructs democracy".

The move means Senator Norris now has the support of 18 Oireachtas members.

He needs 20 to ensure he is on the ticket for the election on October 27. Alternatively he could secure the backing of four local authorities.

Meanwhile, in a statement earlier today, Senator Martin McAleese re-iterated that he would not be supporting or nominating any candidate in the election.

“As stated publicly on a number of occasions, Senator Martin McAleese will not be supporting or nominating any candidate in the presidential election. This statement is being issued again, as there has been speculation to the contrary in today’s media,” it said.