Council of Elrond

Hi,

There is a bit of confusing commentary on allies in the various rulebooks and guides.

Just to be clear, does the controlling character at the time the ally is played have to have sufficient direct influence to cover the mind stat of the ally?

Secondly, once the ally is in play, does it continue (if yes to above) to use DI once in play?

thanks

Allies don't require any influence to be played/controlled. Their mind stat is just present for other purposes.