Criticizing FG Headquarters, a Tipperary county councilor who previously supported Sheridan voices their disapproval
In an unexpected turn of events, Tipperary Fine Gael Councillor Mary Hanna Hourigan has defied party orders and nominated Independent presidential hopeful, Gareth Sheridan, for a nomination from Tipperary County Council.
At a recent meeting, Councillor Hanna Hourigan's vote proved decisive in getting Mr. Sheridan a nomination, with the proposal to not nominate a candidate being defeated by 20 votes to 19. This move has raised eyebrows within the party, as Fine Gael's executive council had previously decided to whip its councillors on the issue of the presidential election.
Councillor Hanna Hourigan, who has been a councillor for 16 years, emphasised one power remaining with local authorities: the freedom to nominate a presidential candidate. She stated that councils have a say when presidential hopefuls "go down the council route" to get into the race for Áras an Uachtaráin.
The councillor, who was elected by the people of Tipperary, asserted that she should be free to "vote the way I want". She added that despite the orders from Fine Gael headquarters, she has no regrets about her vote. Hanna Hourigan indicated she voted for Mr. Sheridan because it is a function that remains with councillors, who have seen their powers eroded over the years.
Meanwhile, the party's councillors were consulted during the summer about presidential election strategy. A Fine Gael source described the party's consultation on this matter as very extensive. However, the search results do not explicitly name the person who belongs to the current Fine Gael Executive Council responsible for deciding on possible sanctions against Mary Hanna Hourigan.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the party is fully focused on supporting Heather Humphreys in her campaign. Ms. Hanna Hourigan, on the other hand, has announced that she will be canvassing for Heather Humphreys, but will give a second preference vote to Gareth Sheridan in the election.
Gareth Sheridan received his first nomination from Kerry County Council earlier this month. He now needs two more council nominations to get on the presidential election ticket. During the same meeting, Mr. Sheridan received 17 votes, while Kieran McCarthy received 3 votes. Four councillors were absent, and 16 abstained from voting during the meeting.
This incident marks a significant departure from the usual party lines and could potentially lead to further discussions within Fine Gael about the balance between party unity and local autonomy.
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