Rumblings at Galway County Council as Fine Gael councillor insists he will only vote for party's candidate
A sense of pride in the democratic process of the presidential election filled the chamber, as councillors reflected on the longstanding tradition of supporting candidates over the years — notably including their backing of Mary Davis in 2011 and Joan Freeman in 2018.
Councillor Thomas Welby said: 'We have a power, and we shouldn't use it lightly.'
For someone to be eligible for candidacy they must be nominated by at least 20 Oireachtas members or at least four local authorities.
But also in the conversation was an unmoving opinion from Fine Gael County Councillor Jimmy McClearn as he told the elected members his party 'will vote against any candidate other than our own party'.
This decision was made in an independent FG meeting 'under no pressure from anybody' he said.
In response, councillors criticised the stance as 'anti-democratic,' arguing that inviting candidates to present to a council where some members have already made up their minds undermines the objectivity of the process.
'It wouldn't be fair on candidates where the two main blocks have decided on who they are voting for.' Independent councillor Shaun Cunniffe said.
'If it's a good candidate, why would we try and stop the campaign before it starts?'
Cllr McClearn wanted to be 'crystal clear' about the plan of action for FG representatives in the chamber.
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'With respect, I think we have been very honest and very clear about our situation, we will be voting against anyone who comes here looking for a nomination.'
However, this doesn't mean a loss of respect should another candidate be backed by the council.
'We are democrats at the end of the day, and we will fully abide by the decision that's made at the end of the day.'
Thus far, seven candidates have been in contact with the council since March requesting an opportunity to come before the council according to chief executive Liam Conneally.
The council Corporate Policy Group (CPG) proposed the meeting which will likely be held in September.
The suggestion states that each candidate will have 10 minutes before the elected members in order of surname, the meeting will then be adjourned for a short period for further discussion and consideration.
A proposal was made and approved to prohibit representatives from speaking on behalf of candidates during the presentation. This marks a change from previous years, when family members or others were permitted to address the elected members on behalf of those running.
The special meeting will likely have both an in-person and online option.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
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