10 key moments of the campaign

Norris’s “second-chance” September 16th - David Norris announces on the Late Late Show his decision to re-enter the race, having…

Norris's "second-chance"September 16th - David Norris announces on the Late Late Show his decision to re-enter the race, having pulled out six weeks earlier.

“Quango Queen”

October 3rd

Mary Davis releases details of earnings for 2010 with more than €60,000 in directors’ fees from three State and three commercial boards, in addition a €150,000 salary from Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.

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Vincent Browne’s books

October 4th

Gay Mitchell accuses Martin McGuinness on TV3 of telling “fairytales” by denying his IRA past. Debate host Vincent Browne produced a range of books that gave details of his alleged involvement in the IRA after 1974.

Seán Gallagher, Fianna Fáiler

October 9th

Gallagher is forced to defend his Fianna Fáil links after it emerged he had resigned from the party’s national executive in January. He had said he left in 2009.

Soldier’s Son

October 11th

McGuinness was confronted by David Kelly, son of Pte Patrick Kelly who was killed while trying to rescue Don Tidey when he was held captive by the Provisional IRA in 1983.

McGuinness v O’Callaghan

October 14th

During RTÉ’s Prime Time debate, Miriam O’Callaghan asked McGuinness how he squared with the fact that “you were involved in the murder of so many people?” McGuinness said it was a “disgraceful comment”.

Dana’s family

October 14th

Dana on the Prime Time debate refers to allegations “of a most untrue and malicious, vile nature” against a family member. The next day she said the allegations were of a “sexual nature”.

Gallagher surges ahead

October 23rd

A commanding Gallagher lead was confirmed in the Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll which put him at 40 per cent, with Michael D Higgins at 25 per cent.

The envelope

October 24th

In the final television debate, Gallagher first denies and then later concedes he may have received a donation of up to €5,000 from convicted fuel smuggler Hugh Morgan for an FF fundraising event.

Glenna Lynch

October 25th

On radio with Pat Kenny, Gallagher questioned the motives and party membership of audience member Glenna Lynch who had quizzed him during the Frontline debate the previous night. Ms Lynch rang the radio programme to say she had no political affiliations.