Local Fine Gael councillor criticises party’s decision to block independent nominations

A local Fine Gael councillor has opposed his party’s decision to block all independent candidates seeking nominations for the presidency.
Cavan councillor T.P. O’Reilly says the decision was ‘in bad taste.’

Fine Gael issued a statement yesterday instructing its councillors to endorse only Heather Humphreys in the race for the Áras.
In the event of a nomination of a person other than ratified candidate Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael local authority members are whipped to oppose it.
Councillor T.P. O’Reilly says while he supports Heather Humphreys, he believes his party’s decision was ‘undemocratic.’