Claims Fine Gael is anti-democratic to oppose Independent candidates 'utter rubbish', says Tánaiste

The Fine Gael move brought criticism from Aontú and Independent Ireland, who accused Fine Gael of 'shutting down' democratic routes to the presidency

Tánaiste Simon Harris: 'The Fine Gael party is backing the Fine Gael candidate, hold the front page.' Picture: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that it is "utter nonsense" to suggest that Fine Gael is being anti-democratic by whipping its councillors to oppose Independent nominations to the presidency, taking aim at billionaire tech boss Elon Musk.

On Friday, Simon Harris's party instructed the party's councillors that they are not to support the passage of votes for Independents. Given the level of control at council level the party has across the country, this could close the door on runs by Independents such as Bob Geldof, Maria Steen, Gareth Sheridan, and Nick Delehanty.