several local councils are effectively closing offโฃ pathways for Independent candidates seeking nomination for the upcoming presidential election,favoring support for candidates aligned with established political parties. The moves come as potential contenders vie for the necessary backing of four local authorities to โformally enter the race.
The tightening of access for Independents follows nominations alreadyโข made by Kerry County Council for businessman Seรกn Sheridan,adn increasing scrutiny of the nomination process itself. While Kerry County council nominated sheridan without a vote – havingโฃ previously decided to approveโค any nominee – sources within the Sheridan campaign maintain he remains a strong contender among Independent hopefuls. โ
Earlier today,โฃ Jimโ Gavin addressed the media outside Leinsterโ House, thoughโ his involvement remains unspecified in relation to the presidential race.
Kerry County Councillor Niall O’callaghan proposed sheridan’s nomination, describing him as “a deserving candidateโ – a young person experienced in business and life.” Councillor โฃMartin Grady seconded the nomination, โstating โฃSheridan was “taking the role of president seriously and โhad come across well in his presentation to councillors last โweek.”
Despite the Kerry nomination, obstacles are emerging elsewhere. fine Gael councillors in Tipperary County Council are reportedly โconsidering defying party headquarters’ instructions to abstain from supporting Independent candidates when they meet on Tuesday.
Tipperary Fine Gael group leader, Councillor Willie Kennedy, stated the group would decide this morning “as a group” on their course of action. He downplayedโ the likelihood of a important rebellion, suggesting the councillors “probably won’t be too far” from the party line, but emphasized โฃtheir intention to hear โคfrom all candidates before making a decision.”We’ll wait and see. It’s good manners to at least listenโค to โpeople,” Kennedy said.
