Fine Gael blocks councillors from backing independents in presidential race

Fine Gael councillors have been ordered to back Heather Humphreys only, leaving independents scrambling for crucial council support

Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: iStock

Fine Gael has told its councillors not to back independents seeking a presidential nomination.

The party's TDs, senators and MEPs will support its nominee, Heather Humphreys, but nominations to appear on the ballot remain possible for anyone who secures the backing of four councils.

However, a message sent from Fine Gael HQ on Friday instructed councillors not to support independent candidates. 

Given the party’s influence at council level across the country, this could block potential runs by independents such as Bob Geldof, Maria Steen, Gareth Sheridan and Nick Delahanty.

Several councils will meet in the coming weeks to hear pitches from potential candidates seeking member support.

A message from Fine Gael general secretary John Carroll, combined with expectations that Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil will take the same stance, appears set to block independents from gaining the four councils needed for nomination. 

Neither of those parties has issued guidance to councillors, and Sinn Féin has yet to decide whether it will run a candidate or back Catherine Connolly.

The message told councillors: “With regard to the nomination of candidates by local authorities, the Executive Council of Fine Gael has decided — after considerable discussion and consultation with the 31 Fine Gael Council Groups — that as Fine Gael has a candidate for the presidential election, Fine Gael public representatives are only to nominate the Fine Gael candidate. 

"Fine Gael public representatives cannot in any way facilitate the nomination of any other candidate.”

As weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly and Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley withdrew from the race on Friday, former MMA fighter Conor McGregor contacted Dublin City Council seeking to address councillors.

A list of 16 candidates due to present to Dublin City Council on September 15 includes Mr McGregor.