Presidential candidate Peter Casey has visited the county today – an hour after Donegal County Council decided to not nominate a candidate for the 2018 Election.
The decision was followed by a visit from Áras hopeful Peter Casey, who visited Donegal County Council to meet with councillors after the nomination deadline passed.
Cathaoirleach Seamus Ó Domhnaill announced at today’s monthly meeting that the council would not be nominating a presidential candidate as no special motion was put down by any councillors before midday.
Áras candidate Peter Casey visits Donegal County Council
Donegal-based businessman and Dragons’ Den star Peter Casey then arrived at the Lifford council building before lunchtime to meet and greet with local representatives.
However, as no special meeting was called to nominate a candidate in Donegal, Mr Casey was not given an opportunity to speak.
Áras candidate Peter Casey visits Donegal County Council
The Co. Derry man, who has a home in Inishowen, secured his place on the Presidential ballot last Tuesday.
Before sitting with councillors outside the chamber at the interval, Mr Casey tweeted: “Looking forward to meeting with councillors in @donegalcouncil today but as I have the required nominations, I won’t be seeking their endorsement. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch with messages of support and well wishes.”
In his explanation on why Donegal County Council was not nominating a candidate, Cllr Seamus Ó Domhnaill said that he informed the July council that he was willing and able to facilitate a meeting for the local authority.
Cllr Ó Domhnaill said he was contacted by a number of councillors to hold the meeting, but that request subsided and the nominee that was on the minds of councillors was duly nominated by other councils.
It was then deemed that there was no need to hold a special meeting today (Monday) as no councillors submitted a special motion before the deadline at 12noon.
