What began as interest from 30 potential presidential hopefuls ended with just five candidates presenting themselves before Galway County Council on Tuesday, with councillors ultimately opting not to nominate a candidate for the upcoming election.
Under Article 12 of the Constitution, presidential candidates must be Irish citizens over 35 years old, with nominations requiring either 20 members of the Oireachtas or the support of four local authorities. While eight individuals had confirmed attendance in Galway, only five appeared on the day: Aidan Harrington, Séana Kerr, Gearoid O’Dubhthaigh, Lucy-Ann O’Leary and Gerben (Geradus ) Uunk.
Each candidate was given 10 minutes to pitch their case to the council’s 39 elected representatives, outlining manifestos that ranged from tackling mental health stigma and homelessness to opposing the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum and prioritising animal rights.
Presentations
First to address the chamber was bus driver Aidan Harrington, who criticised the nomination process as “discriminatory” and overly reliant on party backing. Harrington, who spoke candidly about his own struggles with mental health, said his work gave him “insight into the loneliness epidemic in Ireland” and that he wanted to represent ordinary people locked out of housing.
Séana Kerr, a PhD student from Newry, described herself as a “change maker,” with integrity as her guiding principle. A former midwife, she emphasised faith, lifelong learning, and the family as a cornerstone of Irish life. Asked whether she would continue in public life if unsuccessful, Kerr said she had been “prosecuted by the media in the past” but would persist in “making changes.”
Gearoid O’Dubhthaigh focused his remarks on what he described as flaws in Ireland’s democratic processes. Speaking for the full 10 minutes, he denounced the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum as “not an exercise in democracy, but one of mass deception,” and warned of wider failings in political debate.
Lucy-Ann O’Leary highlighted her international work in diplomacy and charity, framing the presidency as a unifying role. She said compassion and amplifying unheard voices were central to her vision, while also naming homelessness as “a human problem, not just a housing one.”
Originally from the Netherlands but resident in Ireland for over 20 years, Gerben Uunk called for stronger animal welfare protections, ending state subsidies for greyhound and horse racing, and defending Irish neutrality. He also argued for new ways to make the presidency more connected with citizens.
Disrespectful
While no candidate secured council backing, councillors united in expressing frustration at the number of absentees.
“I want to thank those who turned up,” said Cllr Jimmy McClearn (FG ). “I think those who did not come here are being very disrespectful.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr David Collins echoed the point, noting: “Thirty potential candidates gave their names, and 25 did not show up today. Staff here in Galway County Council put enormous work into preparing for them. I think it is shocking, but I thank the five who did take the time.”
The meeting closed with reminders of the seriousness of the office and the need for candidates to respect the process. Councillors encouraged those who presented to remain active in public life, even if unsuccessful in this bid.
