How Wexford’s Councillors Voted on the Presidential Nomination

Wexford County Council has voted not to nominate a candidate in the forthcoming Presidential election, after a roll call vote in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn ended 18–14 against.

The decision came after a special sitting on Friday, convened under Article 12 of the Irish Constitution and the Presidential Elections Act 1993, which allows a candidate to be nominated if backed by at least four County or City Councils. Several hopefuls addressed members either in person or via video link, outlining their reasons for seeking the nomination. Among those who put their names forward were Maria Steen, Gerben Uunk, Dr Cora Stack, Sarah Louise Mulligan and Diarmuid Mulcahy, alongside nine other contenders. After presentations and a short adjournment for deliberation, councillors were asked to vote “Yes” (to nominate a candidate) or “No” (not to). Who voted “Yes” Fourteen councillors supported the move to nominate a candidate. They were: Pat Barden (INDEPENDENT) Nicky Boland (INDEPENDENT) Jim Codd (AONTÚ) Craig Doyle (SINN FÉIN) John Dwyer (INDEPENDENT) Mary Farrell (INDEPENDENT) Tom Forde (SINN FÉIN) Paddy Kavanagh (INDEPENDENT) Leonard Kelly (INDEPENDENT) Marty Murphy (INDEPENDENT) Aoife Rose O’Brien (SINN FÉIN) Raymond Shannon (INDEPENDENT) Michael Sheehan (INDEPENDENT) Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan (FIANNA FÁIL) Notably, Cathaoirleach Sullivan, who chaired the meeting, cast his vote with the pro-nomination camp, siding with Sinn Féin, Aontú, Wexford Independent Alliance and several other independents. Who voted “No” Eighteen councillors opposed nominating a candidate. They were: Vicky Barron (LABOUR) Pip Breen (FIANNA FÁIL) Aidan Browne (FIANNA FÁIL) Patricia Byrne (FINE GAEL) Ger Carthy (INDEPENDENT) Anthony Donohoe (FINE GAEL) John Fleming (FIANNA FÁIL) Pat Kehoe (FINE GAEL) Donal Kenny (FIANNA FÁIL) Garry Laffan (FIANNA FÁIL) Darragh McDonald (FINE GAEL) Lisa McDonald (FIANNA FÁIL) Barbara-Anne Murphy (FIANNA FÁIL) Bridín Murphy (FINE GAEL) John O’Rourke (INDEPENDENT) Frank Staples (FINE GAEL) Catherine Biddy Walsh (LABOUR) Oliver Walsh (FINE GAEL) The margin reflected strong party discipline, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members largely voting against the proposal. Absent councillors Robbie Staples and Jackser Owens were not present for the vote.