Council to decide presidential candidate

MMA fighter and presidential hopeful Conor McGregor has been in touch with Carlow County Council looking for the backing of elected members.

Council chief executive Coilín O’Reilly informed elected members that 23 individuals have sought backing by the local authority in the upcoming presidential elections.

Mr O’Reilly said that seven of the individuals had returned their declaration and a two-page presentation in full “outlining why they should be president of Ireland.” These were received by the closing date of Friday 5 September.

He explained that there were a “further three of the 23 who failed to submit the declaration, the reason for the declaration is so we know who they are. We have another five that are now late. So that gives us a potential of 15,” Mr O’Reilly added.

The chief executive proposed that the closing deadline for submissions be extended to close of business at 5pm on Wednesday 10 September which was passed by councillors.

It was to be then decided what submissions, if any, which must have the backing of two councillors, by last Friday, September 12. Any presidential candidates would be heard in full by the council on Saturday 20 September.

Each potential candidate is allowed to address the council for five minutes and then questioned for 10 minutes over their suitability for the office of president.

“If we are genuine about nominating somebody there is no point in going through the motions to have a meeting if we have no intention of nominating anyone,” Mr O’Reilly highlighted as he said the process takes up a substantial amount of time.

Cllr Charlie Murphy said he “did not want to particularly sit here and listen to a stranger I don’t know from Adam as to whether he should be president".

Councillor Fergal Browne added: “I’ve been through this process before, and it’s been cringy with absolutely off the wall stuff. It’s time for a reality check”.