"Democracy dies in darkness" claims Masterson

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Aoife Masterson has criticised a decision by Offaly County Council to block a vote on the nomination of Gareth Sheridan as a candidate for the Irish Presidential election.

Mr Sheridan addressed a special meeting of the local authority on Monday afternoon as he sought the Council's nomination to have his name added to the Presidential election ballot paper.

However, Cllr Masterson expressed her disappointment that she was unable to vote on the issue as "Fine Gael, supported by Fine Fáil, tabled a motion that Offaly County Council nominate no one for the Presidency.

“This decision to block a vote on his nomination from even happening is disappointing.

“However, such practice is all too common in Offaly County Council where Government parties vote as a bloc to determine who is appointed to what positions at both county and municipal level, what motions are passed, and many other important issues. These practices are not for the good of our county or our country.

“People in Offaly deserve better and I firmly believe they would be shocked if they saw the carry on of those they have elected to act in their name," Cllr Masterson said.

The Cllr said it was her intention to bring a motion to the next sitting of Offaly County Council requesting that all meetings be live streamed and available to play back online.

“This is a service already available in many other counties including Roscommon, Cork, and Dublin. Democracy dies in darkness.

“At a time of increasing mistrust in politics and politicians greater transparency and openness can only be welcomed. I hope, when the time comes, my fellow Cllrs will see sense and support this motion," Cllr Masterson said.