"Gag Order": FG Councillors In Kildare Barred From Backing Independent Presidential Candidates

Saturday, 6 September 2025 20:13

By Martin Osborne

Independent Ireland claims its an "unprecedented threat to democracy".

Fine Gael has banned its councillors, including eleven in Kildare, from backing Independent candidates in the presidential election.

Independent Ireland claims its an "unprecedented threat to democracy."

It says it shows a fear of competition, a fear of debate, and a fear of allowing the public to have their say on "the messes these parties have made".

Party Leader Michael Collins says Tanaiste Simon Harris’s diktat to Fine Gael councillors is nothing short of a gag order.

Potential Independent contenders for a council nomination include Bob Geldof, Maria Steen, Straffan resident Conor McGregor, Nick Delahunty and Gareth Sheridan.

Fine Gael Councillors in Kildare

1. Fintan Brett

2. Paul Brooks

3. Kevin Duffy

4. Tim Durkan

5. William Durkan

6. Lumi Panaite Fahey

7. Ivan Keatley

8. Peggy O’Dwyer

9. Tracey O’Dwyer

10. Evie Sammon

11. Brendan Wyse

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