Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Mary Davis Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Mary Davis races ahead in battle for Presidential support

The Special Olympics organiser has now won the backing of six county councils after securing two more yesterday.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ORGANISER Mary Davis looks to have won her nomination as an Independent presidential candidate after securing the backing of two more councils.

Tipperary North County Council yesterday voted to support Ms Davis’ bid, while Kerry County Council passed a “motion of intent” to nominate her. She has already won support from local authorities in Louth, Monaghan, Mayo and Limerick. A candidate requires the backing of four local authorities, or 20 members of the Oireachtas, to run in the election.

Kerry County Council passed the motion by 13 votes to two, with all Fine Gael councillors abstaining. However, a spokesman told RTÉ it was not a final endorsement of Ms Davis’ candidacy and the council will not formally nominate a candidate until September at the earliest.

According to the Irish Times, Ms Davis told the council chamber: “I want to rebuild and repair the good name of Ireland internationally. In my travels abroad I have seen how the reputation has become tarnished. I would like to bring my energy and dynamism to the role of president.”

Four would-be Independent presidential candidates addressed Kerry councillors yesterday: Ms Davis, Senator David Norris, businessman Seán Gallagher and ‘People’s Choice’ candidate Richard McSweeney. Mr Gallagher has already won the support of four councils, while only one has pledged to back Senator Norris.

Read more: Independents, FF could give Norris last-ditch Áras lifeline >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
19 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds