Leitrim Councillors will decide later today whether or not to nominate Maria Steen as a potential presidential candidate. A candidate must receive the backing of four local authorities to become eligible to take part in the election. Ms Steen was one of thirteen prospective candidates who spoke to members last Wednesday morning. Three councillors - Fianna Fáil's Mary Bohan and Justin Warnock along with independent Irene Guckian Rabbitte - have proposed that she receive a nomination. The conservative campaigner must receive the support of at least 10 councillors. No other motions were submitted in support of any of the other candidates who addressed the council meeting.
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Cllrs were previously encouraged to support their party's respective candidates, Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin. Leitrim County Council is made up of 18 councillors; six Fianna Fáil, three Fine Gael, four Sinn Féin and five independents A decision on the proposal will be decided at a meeting at Áras an Chontae at 2pm.
