Anger in Mayo over 'no show' by presidential election nomination seekers

BUSINESSMAN Sean Gallagher has today been nominated by Mayo County Council to contest the presidency.

Strongly backed by Fianna Fáil members on the authority, he won the prized nomination on a 12/10 vote.

Mr. Gallagher's name was proposed by Councillor Damian Ryan and seconded by Councillor Al McDonnell, both FF representatives.

Seven presidential hopefuls – including Mr. Gallagher – were due to make brief contributions to today's special session but only one turned up, Sarah Louise Mulligan, a political admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump.

All of the other scheduled speakers sent their apologies stating that they could not attend due to other similar meetings elsewhere.

The contribution of Ms. Mulligan, who at 36 is the youngest candidate in the drive for the Áras, was well received and she was warmly applauded at the close of her 10-minute presentation.

Replying to a question from Councillor Brendan Mulroy (FF), Ms. Mulligan said she hoped to meet President Trump when he comes to Ireland and would be “more than happy” to lobby for the retention of U.S. based companies here.

After her name was proposed by Councillor Richard Finn and seconded by Councillor Frank Durcan (both independents), Ms. Mulligan received three votes while 16 councillors were against her nomination.

A number of councillors were scathing of the other candidates who 'failed to turn up' as scheduled but sent their regrets.

These were Marie Goretti Moylan, John Groarke, Gavin Duffy, Patrick Feeney, Senator Joan Freeman and Sean Gallagher.

Councillor Frank Durcan claimed the 'no show' candidates had insulted the councillors and the people they represent.