Longford councillor slams Fine Gael 'gag order' as insult to democratic rights of voters

Former Longford County Council Cathaoirleach and Independent Lanesboro based representative, Cllr Mark Casey, has described the decision by Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to ban FG councillors from supporting Independent candidates in the upcoming presidential election as 'the most undemocratic move that has been seen in Irish politics in recent years'.

The 18 elected members of Longford County Council are scheduled to hear from some of the Independent presidential election hopefuls next Monday, September 15. To secure a nomination a potential candidate requires the backing of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.

Cllr Casey says the FG move exposes the hypocrisy of establishment parties who constantly speak about “protecting democracy” while in practice working to shut down alternative voices.

Also read: 'My name will not go forward' - Mary Lou McDonald rules herself out of presidential race

He commented on his social media page, “For all the talk from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of threats to democracy from disinformation and so-called hate speech, the real threat comes from within from an establishment elite that refuses to allow the Irish people a fair choice.

“Simon Harris’s order to Fine Gael councillors is nothing short of a gag order. It shows a fear of competition, a fear of debate, and a fear of allowing the public to have their say on the messes these parties have made. It is an insult not just to Independents but to the democratic rights of voters across the country. There are unconfirmed reports the Taoiseach will issue a similar decree for Fianna Fail, which will likely result in both parties acting hand in hand to shut down Independent voices.”

Cllr Casey opined that if Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin adopt similar positions, as has been signalled, 'the door will effectively be closed on any Independent candidate reaching the ballot paper through the council route'.

He concluded, “This is not about Independents or personalities – it is about democracy itself. The presidency belongs to the people of Ireland, not to a closed shop run by political insiders. Blocking Independents from even getting on the ballot is an attempt to silence alternative opinions and rob the public of a genuine choice.”

Also read: Irish presidential race to heat up as third candidate to be confirmed