Six county councils have rejected appeals by former MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon for nominations to contest the presidential election.
It now looks as if Mrs McAleese, is poised to secure an unopposed secord term as President after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors ensured the defeat of motions to nominate Ms Scallon in Kerry, Longford, Monaghan and North Tipperary County Councils.
Kilkenny and Offaly County Councils also rejected a request from Ms Scallon to hold a special meeting on the issue.
Ms Scallon vowed to fight on, however, even though nine County Councils have now rejected her approaches, with Galway, Mayo and Roscommon already voting against her.
Yesterday, heritage campaigner Mr Vincent Salafia announced he is to seek a presidential nomination.