The Donegal County Council’s Cathaoirleach has sent an open invitation to all Presidential candidates to address key issues in the forthcoming campaign.
Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill made the public call today (Friday) for candidates to discuss crucial issues on homelessness, rural decline and the health service.
“I have made it clear that I am more than happy to convene a meeting of the County Council allowing the candidates to make their pitch to the councillors. A date has not been decided upon yet but it will be sooner rather than later,” he said.
“I think there is now an onus on candidates to address such crucial issues as homelessness, rural decline and the health service.
“These are all issues which have dominated the headlines in the media over the last year and I feel it is crucial that we hear candidates’ views on these matters. By and large, they have been silent on these matters.
“I am aware of the restrictive powers of the presidency, but I honestly feel that the office of the president can be used as a platform to highlight the depth of the issue.
“The voters should not be confined to voting on a personality basis, they should be totally aware of the candidate’s abilities and aspirations.”
Several people hoping to contest this year’s October Presidential Election will be in Kilkenny today in search of support.
Potential candidates need to be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four county or city councils.
The deadline for potential nominees is September 26, with the Irish presidential election being held on October 26.
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