No Presidential candidate nominated by Sligo County Council as only one hopeful turns up to make a pitch

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

No candidate has been nominated by Sligo Council to contest the upcoming Presidential election.

When councillors gathered in County Hall this morning to hear from those who hoped to have their name included on the ballot paper on October 24 only one showed up.

A total of 19 prospective candidates had written to the local authority seeking their nomination but only one person, Sligo native Gearoid Duffy, ended up addressing the elected members.

Mr Duffy, 61, was allocated five minutes to make his address during which he said he has worked for 36 years as a public servant.

Originally from Gurteen but now living in Cork, Mr Duffy said he would like to make Ireland a reference point for those who seek peace by peaceful means.

Mr Duffy said he has respect for all involved in politics and was an advocate for human rights while also speaking about the housing crisis in Ireland.

Upon concluding his address, Mr Duffy was afforded a round of applause by councillors.

After an adjournment, Cllr Michael Clarke sought to nominate Gareth Sheridan as the Council’s candidate. In reply, Cathaoirleach Donal Gilroy remarked, “My clear understanding is we nominate from those who presented before us.”

Sinead Flynn, Senior Executive Officer, Sligo County Council said it would be “disingenuous” to allow nominations for people who had not made representations saying it would be “moving the goalposts.”

Of the 19 who written letters and sought to address the Councillors, Joseph Chikelue Obi, Keith McGrory and Conor O’Brien had indicated their intention to address the meeting along with Mr Duffy. Apologies were sent from Nick Delahanty and Cora Stack who were unable to attend the meeting while there was no response from Gerben Uunk.

Others who had written to Sligo County Council expressing an interest in seeking a nomination were: William P. Allen, Matilda Bryson, Peter Casey, Donncha McGabhann, Lorna McCormack, Sarah Louise Mulligan, Searlait Ní Chianáin, Billy O’Connell, Dominic Plant, Walter Ryan Purcell, Gareth Sheridan and Barry Wheely-Row.

Cathaoirleach Donal Gilroy brought the meeting to a close saying, “Sligo County Council is not proceeding to formally nominate a candidate.”