Mary McAleese appointed to second term as President
Mary McAleese has been appointed to a second seven-year term as President of Ireland after all the other hopefuls failed to secure a nomination.
Mrs McAleese had nominated herself for re-election, as is her right under the Constitution.
Several independent candidates, including former MEP Rosemary Dana Scallon, had been hoping to get their names on the ballot paper, but all failed to get the necessary backing from county councils or members of the Oireachtas.
Mrs McAleese was reappointed today without the need for an election, which had been scheduled for October 22.
