A gay rights activist, a former IRA commander and a Eurovision song contest winner are among a colourful line up of contenders for the Irish Presidency after nominations for the post closed yesterday.

David Norris, an independent senator and long-time champion of gay rights, and one-time pop star Dana Rosemary Scallon secured late on Tuesday the backing they needed from local councils to contest the October 27 vote.

The record field of seven candidates for the largely ceremonial post also includes Martin McGuinness, a former leading member of the IRA turned deputy first minister of the British province of Northern Ireland. They are bidding to succeed President Mary McAleese, who has served two seven-year terms.

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