Councils await candidate submissions as Presidential election date confirmed

The date for the Irish Presidential election now confirmed for Friday, October 24, potential candidates will look for the support of local authorities in their quest to have their name on the polling day ballot paper.

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt, stated that the elected members had yet to make a decision with regard to hearing submissions from potential candidates looking for support from the local authority.

Meanwhile, Roscommon County Council confirmed that it will hear from all potential candidates looking for support in the Presidential election.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, stated that the elected members would listen to oral submissions from those hoping to receive the support of the local authority as they seek a ballot paper nomination.

"Our meetings' administrator has received a number of submissions from those looking for the support of Roscommon County Council for a potential Presidential election nomination.

"Once a date for the Presidential election has been confirmed, we will then convene a special meeting during which we will accommodate all submissions from interested parties before nominations for the ballot paper close," Cllr Callaghan said.

A person wishing to stand in the Presidential election must be nominated by four local authorities or a minimum of 20 TDs and Senators.