McDonald: Sinn Féin Councillors Free To Back Independents For Áras Race

Monday, 8 September 2025 12:33

By Martin Osborne

Over the weekend, Fine Gael instructed its 246 councillors across the country, including 11 in Kildare, to block the nomination of possible independents.

The Sinn Féin leader says her party's councillors will not be ordered to oppose independent candidates who want to become president.

The party will decide its own stance on September 20th, with Mary Lou McDonald this morning ruling herself out.

Over the weekend, Fine Gael instructed its 246 councillors across the country, including 11 in Kildare, to block the nomination of possible independents.

Speaking at the Sinn Fein think-in in Dún Laoghaire, Mary Lou McDonald said the party whip will not be imposed.

There is currently one Sinn Féin councillor in Kildare - Noel Connolly, representing the Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District.

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