Division and Disappointment: Wexford Council Split Over Presidential Nomination

Last Friday’s Wexford County Council meeting, held to consider nominating a presidential candidate, has sparked sharp disagreement among councillors, with differing views on whether the meeting represented a democratic opportunity or a waste of time.

The meeting, convened under Article 12 of the Constitution, saw 13 presidential hopefuls pitch their case—three in person and ten online—in a bid to secure the council’s nomination. However, no nomination was made after councillors from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and two independents voted against endorsing any candidate. The outcome left some independent councillors frustrated and others defending their party's decision. "A Total Farce" – Pat Barden Independent Councillor Pat Barden described the meeting as a “total farce” and “three hours wasted,” claiming the process was disrespected by councillors who had already decided how they’d vote before hearing the candidates. “These people came from all over the country to speak. They needed support from four county councils or 20 Oireachtas members. And yet councillors turned up late, already instructed how to vote,” he said. “It was a chance to put forward a conservative voice or a younger candidate. We’ve few powers left, and if we don’t use them, we’ll lose them.” "No One Stood Out" – Lisa McDonald Fianna Fáil Councillor Lisa McDonald strongly disagreed. She said councillors were fulfilling their constitutional duty by listening, reflecting and ultimately deciding not to nominate anyone. “There was nobody of presidential merit. They may be accomplished in their fields, but none of them had the broad consensus appeal needed to represent all the people of Ireland,” she said. “It wasn’t a stitch-up. We listened. We weren’t impressed. So we said no.” McDonald rejected claims that not nominating a candidate diluted councillors’ powers. “The power to nominate is protected by the Constitution. That hasn’t changed,” she added. "Let the People Choose" – Jim Codd Aontu Councillor Jim Codd expressed disappointment in what he saw as a lack of openness to differing views. He criticised the mass walkouts by major party councillors during the meeting and said Maria Steen, whom he supported, should have been given a chance to run. “There’s no room anymore for Catholic or conservative voices. We brought children to the School of Sanctuary that morning to talk about tolerance. Where was the tolerance in the chamber?” he asked. " Rumour Machine Out of Control" - Joe Sullivan Council Chair and Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Sullivan echoed similar sentiments, stating he believed the council missed an opportunity to widen voter choice. “I voted with my conscience. I support my party, but I also believe we should have given people more options beyond the big political party candidates,” he said. “We had a chance to use one of our few remaining powers to make a difference.” Cllr Sullivan, who chaired the meeting, rejected claims he is in conflict with Fianna Fáil, despite going against the party line. He said he remains a proud member but will always vote according to his principles.