Kilkenny County Council Votes 18-3 Against Presidential Nominee

URGENT UPDATE: Kilkenny County Council has just voted 18-3 against nominating a presidential candidate during a special meeting held on October 16, 2023. This surprising decision comes after twelve candidates presented their cases in hopes of securing support from the council members.

The decisive vote saw only three councilors—Cllrs Eugene McGuinness (Independent), Maurice Shorthall (Independent), and Tomás Breathnach (Labour)—backing the motion to endorse a presidential candidate. The overwhelming majority of councilors expressed their disapproval, leaving hopeful candidates without the crucial backing needed to advance their ambitions.

This critical development impacts not just the political landscape of Kilkenny, but potentially the broader presidential election context in Ireland. The lack of a nomination from Kilkenny County Council may limit candidates’ visibility and momentum as the election approaches.

As the political scene heats up, it’s essential to see how this decision will influence the ongoing campaigns of the twelve candidates who spoke at the meeting. Many were visibly disappointed, having invested time and effort into their presentations.

WHAT’S NEXT: All eyes will now be on the other county councils as they prepare to vote on similar nominations. With presidential candidates vying for support, the decisions made in upcoming council meetings could significantly alter the electoral dynamics.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.