Greystones Councillor Says Simon Harris' Plan to Block Independents From The Presidential Ballot Is Unfair And Dangerous

Tanaiste Simon Harris is undermining democracy by blocking Fine Gael from voting for Independents in the Presidential election according to Councillor Stephen Stokes

Wicklow County Councillors will hear presentations from prospective candidates seeking a nomination for the upcoming election next week.

However a local councillor is unhappy at his fellow Greystones representative Simon Harris who issued a Fine Gael party diktak ahead of the election.

The party line from the Wicklow TD and Fine Gael leader is for his fellow party members to block potential Independent candidates.

Polling day on October 24th will see Independent Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, one from Jim Gavin or Billy Kelleher for Fianna Fáil and possibly Pearse Doherty from Sinn Féin contest the battle to assume the impending vacancy at Áras An Uachtarán to succeed President Michael D. Higgins.

However the Greystones Independent Stephen Stokes says denying his fellow Independents the right to contest the election would unfairly silence those who do not feel represented by the party system.

Councillor Stokes criticised what he described as a 'dangerous' effort to block Independent candidates from even reaching the ballot paper:

"The Presidency belongs to the people, not to the political establishment. By actively obstructing Independent candidates, Simon Harris is undermining democracy and restricting the right of citizens to choose from a fair and open field. This is not about protecting institutions, it’s about protecting party interests - and the public can see through it."

He warned that blocking Independents risks alienating communities and weakening trust in politics:

"This approach by Simon Harris & Party HQ reminds me of authoritarian regimes who hate open elections. Perhaps a bit of desperation has set in. It's a terrible look for his leadership. Instead he should trust his Councillors to make a fair decision, which they are well capable of doing. I have worked alongside many of them. They are good, decent people."

Councillor Stokes has also criticised the priorities of Simon Harris to focus so much negative energy on Presidential candidates.

He believes that the Tánaiste should instead concentrate on the day-to-day responsibilities of government rather than 'meddling' in the Presidential nominations:

"The Tánaiste would serve the public far better by addressing urgent national issues - housing shortages, hospital waiting lists, and the rising cost of living. In the Greystones District there is a major shortage of school places and children in desperate need of special needs provision. These are to name just a few issues. These are the challenges that demand his full attention, not political manoeuvres to limit choice in a Presidential election. The people deserve leadership focused on solutions, not control. Why on earth is Simon Harris spending any time on other candidates in the Presidential election? He needs to take a close look at himself and work out what is actually important to Irish people, not just political elites."

Councillor Stokes has called for a change:

"The office of President should never be treated as the private preserve of political parties. It is the highest office in the land, and it belongs to the people of Ireland. I urge the Tánaiste to respect the democratic process and ensure that Independents can contest freely and fairly. Anything less is a disservice to the Republic."