Conor McGregor faces time issue to address Waterford and Wexford councils at same time
Sarah Slater
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor will face a time problem on Friday if he addresses two local authorities on Friday afternoon which are more than 50km apart in a bid to be backed in the presidential election.
The Independent candidate is set to address Waterford City and County Council from 2pm onwards along with another 15 hopefuls.
McGregor is number nine of the list to be heard, with each candidate afforded five minutes to present their case to councillors followed by 10 minutes of questions.
At 3.30pm, Wexford County Council is expected to begin hearing presentations with McGregor 13th on the list of 18 candidates to be heard. Each candidate will have the same protocols to follow as with Waterford council.
Candidates must secure the support of four county councils in order to have their name on the ballot paper for the presidency. And at the September meeting of WCC councillors expressed their desire to hear the candidates.
Among the other candidates to be heard in both Waterford and Wexford councils are Independents Gareth Sheridan, Dolores Cahill and Peter Casey.
The metropolitan district mayor, Fianna Fáil’s Adam Wyse, said that “he does not expect Mr McGregor to turn up as he is supposed to attend Wexford council too”.
Cllr Wyse added: “It remains unclear if a video link presentation will be allowed and if that happens Mr McGregor does opt for that option then he is pretty cowardly. If he does turn up some councillors have indicated that they will walk out in protest.”
Cllr Wyse noted that he believes “Mr McGregor is not a serious candidate”.
“His record is one of violence, vulgarity and vanity, and the very idea of him as president is an insult to the Irish people.”
Cllr Wyse pointed out that the presidency is meant to embody “dignity, compassion and respect”.
“McGregor offers only chaos, controversy and a circus. Allowing him to use our chamber as a platform would be a mistake. I am calling on my fellow councillors to join me in refusing him a hearing,” he said.
On Monday night McGregor is to address Dublin City Council with several female councillors across all parties indicating that they will also “walk out” in protest according to one former Lord Mayor.
Laois County Council is also due to hear from presidential candidates on Monday afternoon but it remains unclear if McGregor will be one of those making a presentation.
Carlow County Council is to hold a special meeting this Friday, with only one candidate securing the backing of two councillors which is Gareth Sheridan. Seven submissions had been received by the council’s deadline. McGregor had made contact after the deadline of Friday, September 5th.
