Free Republic

<p>A FINE Gael frontbencher has broken with the party over its position on the presidential election.</p> <p>FG spokesman on social and family affairs, Michael Ring, said he was angered at the party's blocking of Dana Rosemary Scallon at local government level. Mr Ring expressed his views at a meeting of the party front bench.</p>

12:32 Mrs Mary McAleese has been returned to office unopposed for a second seven-year term as President. Her success was officially declared in Dublin's Custom House after the only other contender, Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon, did not secure enough last-minute support before a noon deadline. Mrs McAleese said she was "very proud to have been elected to serve the people of Ireland for the next seven years".