Michael D urged to join president vote debates
Ni Riada insists public must hear policies Journalist o’doherty facing aras race exit after council votes blow
SINN Fein’s Liadh Ni Riada has called on Michael D Higgins to take part in election campaign head-toheads.
She claimed debate was necessary among candidates, while independent Sean Gallagher has threatened to pull out of the race if one does not take place.
Ms Ni Riada made the comments as she handed in her nomination papers at Dublin’s Custom House yesterday, officially kick-starting her campaign.
She was joined by party leader Mary Lou Mcdonald and finance spokesman Pearse O’doherty Doherty as she made her way to register.
Ms Ni Riada said: “It is only right that people need to hear what the candidates have to say and lay out their vision for a new Ireland.”
The MEP is one of six candidates in the running for the highest office in the State.
President Higgins, who has launched a bid for a second term, submitted his nomination papers yesterday.
They were presented by JOURNALIST Gemma O’doherty has an uphill battle to stay in the Presidential race after failing to secure the required support of four Art O’leary, his Secretary General, alongside election agent Conor Power, SC.
He said: “Since entering office as President in 2011, I have been honoured to serve Ireland and its people.
“I have county councils. She received her first nomination yesterday from Laois.
In Cork, five councillors voted for her but 28 were against with six dedicated myself to each aspect of the role.
“I am once again offering to serve, and I am asking the people of Ireland to place their confidence in me.”
President Higgins has not confirmed whether he will take part in debates in the run-up to polling day. The first is expected to take place on RTE Radio’s News at One programme tomorrow. abstentions. Galway County Council endorsed Senator Joan Freeman, meaning Ms O’doherty had run out of opportunities with only two councils left to vote yesterday. Ms
Dragons’ Den star Sean Gallagher has warned he will pull out of any debate not involving President Higgins.
In 2011, Mr Gallagher was one of six candidates to lose out in the race for the Aras.
Ms Ni Riada said if he chose not to take part it would be his loss.
She added: “The people of Ireland need to hear what all the candidates have to say.
“It makes perfect sense really, people deserve a debate.”
Presidential hopefuls have until noon tomorrow to register their nominations.
The election will take place on October 26. O’doherty has said she is in discussions with a group of Independent TDS and Senators, and hopes she can receive Oireachtas support for a nomination.