Politics & More Podcast

It's not just about Politics. There's More to it! Transcript.

Ernest Draper, Independent, a Dub living in Monksland Roscommon, otherwise known as Ernie.

‘’When the next local elections come, I intend to mount a serious challenge. I will be relying on the support of my community, and I will continue to stand by the values that define me, fairness, integrity and willingness to help anyone, no matter who they are.’’ – Ernest Draper.

Roscommon County Council, Co-option 2025. Expression of Interest advertised to the public. What really happened.

Mairead Kenny: Ernie, what motivated you to apply in Roscommon County Council, Expression of interest, Co-option?

Ernest Draper: I've always had an interest in politics. I just said, why not. I may as well throw my hat in and see what happens. I'm very hard working, I'm honest, I’ve a great work ethic. I want to try and help people as best I can. I've always had an interest in community involvement as well.

Mairead Kenny: As I said before on radio, there was a lot of drama going on with it.

There was no invitation to address the council or meet with councillors or interviews. In fact, Ernest Draper and I, Mairead Kenny, we both reached out to the council executive and councillors (several times) regarding the process and requesting opportunity to meet, we were not facilitated. Continued in the transcript.

Co-option is governed by legislation, Casual Vacancy S.19 Local Government Act 2021, for non-party candidate S.19 https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2001/act/37/section/19/enacted/en/html#sec19 (3) b delegates to the Councils S.19. 3 (b) Where the person causing the casual vacancy was a non-party candidate at his or her election to the local authority, the vacancy shall be filled by the co-option by the local authority of a person to fill the vacancy in accordance with such requirements and procedures as may be set out in its standing orders.

Standing Order E2 required ''a simple majority of the elected members voting in favour of the filling of the casual vacancy. ''

While there is no statutory procedure for how councils undertake their co-options, it is advisable to have a lawful procedure to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency. There are a range of ways that councils can find out more about proposed candidates via Application form and Interviews with the full council or with a committee of the council. Only the full council can make the decision to co-opt and voting decisions should be impartial, on merit and with constitutional fair procedures in the process.

21 May 2025. Mairead Kenny Withdrawal 2026, Shannonside 22 2026 at https://www.shannonside.ie/index.php/podcasts/lets-talk/podcast-reaction-as-michael-holland-snr-to-replace-anthony-waldron-264907 22-05-2025 - Kenny statement on Shannonside FM withdrawing from Roscommon County Council Co-option.

Mairead Kenny: ‘’Hi Everyone, I just want to say congratulations to Michael Holland.

I was informed yesterday (May 21st, 2025) that the coalition, the alliance of 12, that’s 5 Fianna Fail, 4 Fine Gael and 3 Independents, that they had given their majority backing and votes to Michael Holland Senior, and then that will go forward on Monday (26-05-2025). There isn’t really any point anyone else continuing because it’s been decided. Michael Holland Senior is backed. So yes, it was disappointing there wasn’t support for the other candidates especially the women candidates.

Eoghan Murphy: And you’ve withdrawn now from the race Mairead is that right?

Mairead Kenny: Yes, I have formally withdrawn yes, I want to draw a line under it. There’s been a lot of, there’s been a lot of drama going on with it. I just want to draw a line under it and wish everyone well and all the best for the future.

Music & Credits.

1.     Inspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

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