Presidential candidates prepare for huskings
In the run-up to election day, April 7, six hustings will take place at which candidates can speak directly to members outlining the details of their campaigns. There will be two hustings per region.
The first will take place on Monday, March 9 in Letrim, at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, with the second taking place on Wednesday, March 11, at Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire, Cork.
The third will take place on Friday, March 13, at Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny City, with the fourth set to be held at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo on Wednesday, March 18.
The Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick, will host the fifth on Monday, March 23, with the sixth scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 25, at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, Co Meath.
Nominations for the election of the successor to current national president Kieran O’Dowd, as well as the election of three regional vice presidents will close on March 3 at 5pm with ballot papers set to be issued to affiliated branches with registered secretaries on Monday, March 16.
Corkwoman Michelle O’Callaghan of Knockraha, who is a member of the national council and national executive; Meath man Eamon Cassells from Athboy, chairman of the competitions committee; Paddy Delaney from Timahoe, Co Laois, who is Leinster vice president; and Seán Finan from Castlerea, Co Roscommon,who is national treasurer; are contesting the presidency.
To date, Ger Griffin from Mitchelstown Macra, is the only candidate for Munster vice president.
Sligo’s Caroline O’Dowd, wife of outgoing president, Kieran, and Ray Gilmartin, from Leitrim, have declared for the election for north west vice president.
In Leinster, Dublin’s Lorna Sweetman, Noel Duffy from Offaly, and Aoife Lanigan from Kilkenny, have announced their candidature for the position of vice-president.
The result of the postal ballot will be announced on April 7. The new president elect will take up office in May.
