Appeal to Mayo councillors to select own candidate for presidential election
An elected representative has written to all her colleagues on Mayo County Council asking that they all join together to nominate a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
Aontú Councillor Deirdre Lawless explained: “Currently it looks like there are only two candidates in the race, Catherine Connolly and Mairéad McGuinness.
"Both are able candidates. However, if the election campaign consists of just these two candidates, it will make for a very one-dimensional campaign.
"Over 30% to 40% of the population will find that their issues, concerns and values are not part of the presidential election campaign or represented in the Áras.
"As councillors, we are afforded the responsibility to nominate a candidate for consideration. This is an important opportunity that merits our thoughtful participation.
"We have the ability to recommend a person to take the office of President of our country for the forthcoming seven-year term.
"Currently a number of good people are engaging with smaller parties and independents.
"My worry is that this approach, which with respect is haphazard with no direction, will see no movement on this front.
"I suggest that councillors join together to create a nominating caucus on this council. Similar initiatives are being taken in other councils.
"We should allow credible people to make a pitch to us in terms of candidacy and then we vote by PR STV (Single Transfer Vote) who is the best candidate to run for president. We should then as a group nominate the winner of that process. It should be a fully voluntary process.
“I am really excited at the prospect of my colleagues potentially supporting me on this and I look forward to advancing it without delay as time is of the essence”.