Referendum on presidential nomination system backed by Wicklow county councillor

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

A Wicklow county councillor has pledged his full support to his party's move of bringing a bill before the Dáil to call for a referendum on reforming the presidential nomination system.

Independent Ireland, which Ian Neary is a member of, is to bring forward bill seeking referendum on presidential nomination reform.

The party said recent events around this year’s presidential election have highlighted “an affront to democracy that can no longer be ignored”.

The party’s bill will focus on changing two main reforms around how nominations are made and brought forward.

Through this bill, the current requirement of 20 Oireachtas members would be updated to reflect Ireland’s EU membership. Nominations will instead require the support of 20 members drawn from the combined pool of 160 TDs, 60 senators, and 14 MEPs — a total of 234 elected representatives. The party believes this will ensure that 20 votes would equate to 8.5 pc of the total, broadening representation and reflecting Ireland’s role in Europe.

In line with the same principle of proportionality, presidential hopefuls would also be able to secure a nomination with the backing of 80 individual councillors from across the country. This would replace the current system that requires an entire council to act collectively.

Cllr Neary says these changes should be made ahead of future presidential elections.

"I saw first-hand other councillors effectively block the opportunity to vote for candidates during this process, to say I was taken aback by the approach of some is an understatement.

“As a first-time councillor I don't quite understand the reasoning, for Wicklow County Council to block a vote on candidates was wrong in my opinion. It was supported by Labour, Greens, Social Democrats and Sinn Fein.

“It was surprising, and I was disappointed because I respect all the councillors I work with and they are good people but this, to me was undemocratic and out of order." he added.

The party has confirmed that drafting work has already begun, and the bill will be brought before the Dáil as soon as the legislative process allows.