By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
Wexford County Council has voted 18-14 NOT to nominate a Presidential candidate at today’s (Friday) special meeting held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford.
Clearly the party whips were applied to the Government partners, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, however, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, who chaired the meeting took the side of the ‘Yes’ group and voted with Wexford Independence Alliance, Sinn Féin, Aontu and the Independent members in favour.
Members convened for a special meeting to consider candidates seeking a nomination for the Office of President of Ireland, as part of the requirements outlined in Article 12 of the Irish Constitution and Section 16 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993.
In accordance with these provisions, a candidate for the presidency may be nominated by at least four County or City Councils. During the meeting, several candidates seeking the Council’s nomination were given the opportunity to present their platforms and aspirations to the members of Wexford County Council.
The candidates who addressed the Council, either in person or online, included:
- Gearóid Duffy (online)
- Charlie Keddy (in person)
- Séana Kerr (online)
- Lorna McCormack (online)
- Diarmuid Mulcahy (in person)
- Sarah Louise Mulligan (online)
- Paudie Ó Dúinnin (in person)
- Caoimhín Ó Maolchalann (online)
- Dr. Cora Stack (online)
- Maria Steen (online)
- Gerben Uunk (online)
- Walter Ryan Purcell (online)
- Gareth Sheridan (online)
Following the presentations, the meeting was adjourned to allow council members time to deliberate on the decision.
Upon resumption, a roll call vote was held in which council members were asked to vote “Yes” if they wished for Wexford County Council to nominate a candidate for the presidency, or “No” if they did not.
The result of the vote was:
- 14 votes in favour of nominating a candidate supported by Cllrs Pat Barden, Nicky Boland, Jim Codd, Craig Doyle, John Dwyer, Mary Farrell, Tom Forde, Paddy Kavanagh, Leonard Kelly, Marty Murphy, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Raymond Shannon, Michael Sheehan and Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan.
- 18 votes against nominating a candidate supported by Cllrs Vicky Barron, Pip Breen, Aidan Browne, Patricia Byrne, Ger Carthy, Anthony Donohoe, John Fleming, Pat Kehoe, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, Darragh McDonald, Lisa McDonald, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Frank Staples, Catherine Walsh and Oliver Walsh.
- Cllrs Robbie Staples and Jackser Owens were unavailable.
As a result of the vote, Wexford County Council resolved NOT to nominate a candidate for the Office of President of Ireland.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Sullivan thanked all candidates for addressing the Council and presenting their perspectives regarding the country’s future. He thanked the members for their participation and formally ended the meeting.
WexfordLocal.com 