IT DIDNT take long for the campaign clichés to begin. Just minutes after locking down her place in the presidential race, Dana Rosemary Scallon toured the streets of Mullingar, Co Westmeath to press some flesh, give some hugs, meet some babies and signal she was officially in the mix.
The members of Westmeath County Council opted not to support the 1970 Eurovision winner’s candidacy, with cathaoirleach Mark Cooney casting the deciding no vote in a tight 10-to-nine defeat.
But shortly before Dana arrived in Mullingar - late despite having a Garda escort - news broke that Offaly County Council had given her the crucial fourth nomination.
As she climbed out her car with husband Damien and brother John Brown in tow - the smile suggested Dana knew the nomination was hers. She was “absolutely delighted”.
Dana has been through a presidential election before and having gracefully but briefly thanked the councillors who considered her merits as a candidate, it was on to the public - who will now consider her merits.
The initial response was warm. The first stop was Mac’s Barbershop, where Dana took time to take a comb to the head of a young customer named Tyrone. “Thats a fantastic head of hair, isnt it?” said Dana, who revealed her father and uncle were barbers.
“Am I going to be on the news?” the young lad asked, as cameramen and photographers crowded the barber’s chair. Probably.
From there team Dana moved to visit a statue in memory of a famous Mullingar son, Joe Dolan.
“Nobody comes to Mullingar and gets to leave without visiting Joe,” said Labour councillor Dan McCarthy, who knew well that he faced trouble for breaking party ranks and voting for Dana.
Why did he do it? “I still remember what Dana done when she was in Europe for the farming and the rural community. Also, I’m conscious of Dana’s Christian principles,” Mr McCarthy said.
The Dana roadshow moved down Pearse Street where Christine Rattigan was waiting. “You’re the pick of the singers,” she said. “We’ve always had music in our country,” Dana replied.
“I would like to vote for her,” Christine said. “She’s faithful. She won’t be filling her pockets. She’d do something for the poor.”
After embracing long-time fan John Bree, who promised a number one, Dana was presented with a marker and a copy of her record If I Give My Heart to Youby barber Frank McIntyre.
After signing the record Mr McIntyre, a former councillor, insisted Dana visit his premises where pictures of him with public figures such as Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson have pride of place.
“Hopefully you’ll be the next president on the wall,” he said.
From there team Dana took a brief detour into Frayne’s Bakery and then it was into Hair Shapes by Noelle, where another warm response awaited.
“I’m coming up to the Phoenix Park for a cup of tea,” said one male punter.
“You’ll be welcome,” Dana smiled.
With husband Damien Scallon and brother John anxious to move on to Tullamore to say thanks for the support, it was time to go. The blue Renault was fired up and three of Frayne’s finest coffees distributed to the team.
“Its all systems go,” Mr Scallon said.