OPINION: Tipperary councillors were right to let democracy run its course in Presidential Election

Last week at the Tipperary County Council offices in Nenagh, nine prospective presidential candidates put themselves forward for nomination ahead of October’s election.

Each spoke for 15 minutes, outlining their vision and answering questions from councillors - a daunting challenge, but one all faced with courage.

After the presentations, Councillors Seamie Morris and Liam Browne proposed moving to a vote to elect a candidate. Cllrs Michael Smith and Willie Kennedy opposed this, instead tabling a motion that the council first decide whether to nominate anyone at all. Their reasoning was clear: Fianna Fáil had already endorsed Jim Gavin, while Fine Gael had chosen Heather Humphreys. By blocking a local nomination, they were aligning with their national parties and seeking to prevent another contender from entering the race. That motion was narrowly defeated, 20 votes to 19, and the council did proceed, ultimately nominating Gareth Sheridan.

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Notably, Fine Gael councillor Mary Hanna Hourigan backed holding the vote, later explaining that she wanted to “protect a core democratic principle — that local councillors, as direct representatives of the people, must exercise this constitutional responsibility in good faith.” I commend her for ensuring all nine candidates were given a fair chance.

This matters. Fourteen of our councillors are Independents, the largest bloc on the council.

Blocking the vote would have silenced them and the many thousands of people who elected them. Councillors from Sinn Féin, Labour and Fine Gael also supported going ahead, again reflecting the will of Tipperary voters.

To deny that vote would have been to deny representation. It would have wasted the efforts of those who spoke and, more importantly, undermined the voices of the people of this county.

Once again, I commend Cllr Hourigan and all councillors who upheld fairness by allowing the vote to proceed.