Local TDs share views on upcoming presidential race
Offaly TD Carol Nolan said she would like to see "a viable independent candidate" on the ballot in this year's presidential election, a date for which has yet to be confirmed.
"To date, the entire process has been effectively gerrymandered by the Government parties, with the word apparently being that councillors should not assist independent candidates," Deputy Nolan told the Offaly Independent this week.
The Independent TD said the presidency should not be "seen as the plaything of political parties or a platform to preach and insert favoured ideological positions into public discourse".
"The presidency should return to being a formal Constitutional office that seeks to unite rather than divide," Deputy Nolan added.
Fine Gael TD John Clendennen is the county's only Dáil representative to back a specific candidate thus far, after he came out in support of his party's former Government Minister Heather Humphreys following her confirmation earlier this week that she would be seeking the party's nomination to run.
Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly also announced his intention to contest the Presidential election, following the recent withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness from the race.
Voicing his support for Humphreys, Clendennen said: "Having had the privilege of working closely with Heather on several local projects, I know her commitment and vision first-hand. It has always been a pleasure to introduce her to local communities on the many occasions she has visited the county.
"That is why I will be supporting Heather in the weeks ahead, and I have already submitted a nomination of candidate paper to Fine Gael Headquarters," Deputy Clendennen said. Nominations for the Fine Gael Presidential Candidate will close Tuesday, September 2.
Fianna Fáil TD, Tony McCormack, said that his party was "currently assessing the Presidential issue" and that he expects "matters to be finalised at the end of the summer".
"We will not be commenting on any particular names. The Taoiseach has outlined several times that the position of Fianna Fáil will be very clear from September, and I am happy with that," said Deputy McCormack.
"It is very important not to rush into announcements and take the time to make the right decision."
President Michael D Higgins's 14-year term ends on November 11, with a date in late October mooted for polling day.
One candidate, Independent TD Catherine Connolly, has secured enough support to be sure of a place on the ballot paper having received the backing of the Social Democrats, Labour and People Before Profit.