Short window in Louth for Presidential hopefuls seeking council backing

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

There will be a short window for Presidential hopefuls to seek a nomination from Louth County Council, as potential candidates will need to secure the backing of two local councillors by (tomorrow) Tuesday at 5pm in order to be invited to a special meeting.

Louth councillors heard there were 27 people seeking an opportunity to address county councillors as part of the nomination process for the 2025 Presidential elections.

This was reduced to 26, with the withdrawal of Conor McGregor from the race early on Monday morning.

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr. Sean Kelly, told councillors that a special meeting is proposed for Monday next, September 22 for prospective nominees to speak to councillors.

But, in order to be invited to that meeting, potential candidates must be proposed and seconded by elected members of Louth County Council, and must supply those details by close of business on Tuesday September 16.

Joanna Kelly, Director of Service at Louth County Council, told the meeting that the opening date for nominations was September 5, with the closing date now listed as September 24.

She said the names and details of all 27 candidates had been shared with councillors.

The Cathaoirleach told members they had three decisions to make, firstly whether a special meeting would be held, secondly if a fifty per cent plus one or two thirds majority would secure a nomination, and thirdly how they would vet prospective candidates.

Cllr. Emma Coffey said she agreed in principle to a special meeting “or whatever needs to be facilitated to allow democracy to work.”

Cllr. Shane McGuinness proposed that a fifty per cent plus one majority “would give everyone a fair opportunity.” This was seconded by Cllr. Ciaran Fisher.

Members were told that the meeting would be in-person only, as candidates will not be allowed to address the meeting virtually.