‘Lame duck’ in Louth as councillors decide not to nominate a Presidential candidate

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Louth County Council opted not to nominate a candidate for election in the upcoming Presidential Election in what was described as a “lame duck” hearing from two candidates on Monday night.

The two prospective candidates, Nick Delehanty and Keith McGrory, had emerged from 27 runners and riders hoping to secure an audience with Louth councillors.

Businessman Gareth Sheridan had initially secured the backing of two councillors in order to be invited to the meeting, but with his pathway to a nomination collapsing just hours earlier, just two names remained.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Sean Kelly, thanked councillors for attending the meeting, saying that it was an indication of the important role elected representatives play in the nomination process.

Nick Delahunty began with an admission that neither he nor Keith McGrory could get on to the ballot, with or without the support of Louth County Council.

He told councillors it “really is the 92nd minute of this campaign which we started three and a half weeks ago.”

"None of us can get on the ballot tonight, and it is a bit of a lame duck,” said Mr. Delehanty.

He criticised the process whereby candidates toured the country speaking to councils in a bid to secure their backing as “making it almost impossible for candidates like us” to get on to the ballot.

Highlighting that just three councils had decided to nominate a candidate, he appealed to councillors to consider his candidacy as he prioritised “fidelity to the state.”

He said that at 35 years old, he was the youngest person in the campaign had “really tried to engage with young people,” and had used social media “where there is no middle man” to reach out directly to voters.

He described a potential nomination from Louth County Council as “still extremely significant” as it indicated the “utmost integrity of the process” and would show that the Presidential race was not just dominated by the main stream parties.

Cllr. Kevin Meenan asked him for his views on a united Ireland, and how that might be achieved.

Describing himself as “an absolute republican,” Mr. Delehanty said that more preparation was needed before any border poll should be carried out.

Cllr. Emma Coffey asked if he recognised that not all campaigns could be run on social media, which could be open to manipulation and abuse.

He said that “more and more people are now feeling politically homeless” and felt reaching out to them online was key.

Cllr. Paddy McQuillan said the Triple Lock was the most frequent issue raised by voters he had spoken to and asked what the views where.

Mr. Delehanty said he would prefer Ireland “to be more like Switzerland, capable of defending ourselves, but politically neutral.”

Cllr. Ciaran Fisher said the meeting was “a bit of a damp squid”, adding that it was “a real shame that councils are not electing someone to the ballot.”

Next up was Donegal native Keith McGrory, who told councillors he came to the process “not as a career politician” but as someone who brought 25 years experience in the construction industry.

With a self described “entrepreneurial mindset” he said housing, peace and unity were the main drivers of his campaign.

“One of the most urgent issues Ireland faces today is housing, and I feel I’m the right man at the right time. We cannot continue down the road where young families are saddled with debt for 30 years, leaving them unable to enjoy life.”

He told members how his younger brother had been seriously injured in the Omagh bombing. This tragedy led to a lifelong pursuit of peace.

Cllr. Marianne Butler said he was one of few prospective candidates to reach out to her directly, adding that he had “a lot to offer” and should consider adding his name to another ballot in the future.

Cllr. John Sheridan asked why he would not consider running his campaign on the ‘mica’ crisis, the structural damage caused to thousands of homes and buildings in Donegal by defective concrete blocks containing high levels of mica.

Mr. McGrory said this would form the second part of his campaign.

Cllr. Pio Smith asked what was the most important part of the role of President?

Mr. McGrory said that people “need to be re-invigorated” and that he would like to be seen as the ‘President of Peace’.

After a brief recess, councillors returned for a roll call vote where they decided by a simple majority of 19 votes to 7 votes not to nominate a candidate for election in the upcoming Presidential Election. Sinn Fein councillors present and Cllr Ciaran Fisher voting for the proposal. Three councillors were absent from the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach highlighted the importance of the meeting: “As local councillors we hold a special responsibility for facilitating the democratic process, particularly in the context of a presidential election. The selection of candidates for the highest office in the country is not merely a procedural matter – it reflects our commitment to the values of openness, fairness, and civic participation.

Every candidate deserves an equal and fair opportunity to present their vision, and we commend the individuals who put themselves forward for consideration. Now our attentions must turn to the election itself, and I would encourage every eligible citizen to exercise their democratic right and vote in the election on Friday, 24 October.”