Council yet to decide on Presidential election candidate submissions
Offaly County Council has yet to decide if it will allow addresses from potential candidates looking for support in the Presidential election.
Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy said that the local authority had yet to make a decision as to "what direction" it would take regarding the support of candidates for the Presidential election.
"I aim to reach out to the council's public representatives on Friday (August 29) and present them with viable options for the process, following which our recommendations will be made to council management," Cllr Leahy said.
Cllr Leahy confirmed that a definitive decision on the Presidential election candidate support process is likely to be made public when the local authority's Corporate Policy Group meets to formally discuss the issue on September 8.
"Much has changes since the last Presidential election in 2018 and so it makes sense to gauge the thoughts of all the elected representatives before an appropriate decision is determined," Cllr Leahy said.
In 2018, the council heard from a number of Presidential elections, many of whom Cllr Leahy said were "unknown" to the elected members.
"While we live in a democracy and I respect all views, I am not sure if this is the correct way to go about the process. I don't believe this worked seven years ago and I am unsure if this is the right approach in 2025," Cllr Leahy saud.
The Cathaoirleach is of the view that a "buffer system" might be the correct option to take for those seeking the support of the council's elected members.
"If a candidate is proposed and seconded by an elected representative then that will allow the council to narrow down the number of candidates looking for our support. It will also allow us to focus our concentration and hear what potential candidates have to say regarding their Presidential election hopes," Cllr Leahy said.
A person wishing to stand in the Presidential election must be nominated by four local authorities or a minimum of 20 TDs and Senators.
A date for the election which will determine the 10th President of Ireland has yet to be confirmed, Michael D Higgins completing his second term of office on November 11.