Calls for Aras nomination reform spark debate

A call for reform of the Presidential nomination process by Independent councillor Brendan Fay sparked a lively and, at times, tense debate at the October meeting of Cavan County Council.

Cllr Fay urged the Government to consider changes to ensure that access to presidential candidacy is “fair, democratic, and inclusive”, expressing his concern that the current system limits broader participation.

Under the Constitution, presidential candidates must secure the backing of at least four local authorities, one of three possible nomination routes.

However, Cllr Fay pointed out that in practice, only two councils voted in the most recent round, while others remained “quiet” - a situation he described as “restrictive” and one that could prevent a more diverse range of candidates from emerging.

“The presidency is an office for all, not just a few,” said Cllr Fay. “It belongs to all the people of Ireland.”

Initially calling for a more open process, he later tempered his stance following strong feedback from colleagues, instead advocating for a principled system that incorporates perspectives from across the entire island.

His motion was largely supported by Sinn Féin’s Stiofán Conaty, who nevertheless warned of the potential for “bad faith actors” to appear on the ballot if safeguards are weakened too much.

Fianna Fáil councillor Áine Smith and Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley also pushed back, with Cllr Feeley stressing it was a “privilege” for councillors to have a role in nominations.

He reminded members that any major change would require a constitutional referendum, not simply a ministerial intervention.

Cllr Feeley also expressed his concern over what he saw as a “celebrity” element creeping into recent presidential campaigns, suggesting some nominations were driven more by profile than substance. If there were no system, he said that councillors would be inundated with requests.

“As councillors, it’s our privilege to use discretion.”