Thurles Information

There is a very strong possibility that the constituency of Co. Tipperary may be allowed to vote in next Saturday’s General Election.

The election in Co Tipperary, as our readers are aware, had been postponed following the tragic death yesterday, of Independent candidate Ms Marese Skehan.

However, we now understand that the Attorney General’s Office is tonight looking at legal arguments which could indicate that a delay in the Tipperary constituency could be interpreted as being unconstitutional, due to the fact that the Irish Constitution states that an election has to be held within 30 days of the dissolution of the Dáil. See HERE.

DÁIL ÉIREANN – ARTICLE 16

3 1° Dáil Éireann shall be summoned and dissolved as provided by section 2 of Article 13 of this Constitution.
2° A general election for members of Dáil Éireann shall take place not later than thirty days after a dissolution of Dáil Éireann.

Saturday, February 29th next had been observed as possibly the most likely date for the constituency of Co. Tipperary, to cast their vote.

The sudden death of Home Help Co-ordinator, Ms Marese Skehan, latter aged in her sixties; who had planned to run as an Independent Candidate in the forthcoming General Election has left the town of Thurles, here in Co. Tipperary in total shock.

Ms Skehan was found dead at her home. A statement from An Garda Siochana has confirmed that Gardaí are investigating an incident of sudden death in the Thurles area, Co. Tipperary, which occurred yesterday. However, it is understood Gardaí in Thurles are NOT treating the incident, as in any way suspicious.

Her sudden death, at her place of residence, now means that five seats in our Irish Parliament cannot be filled this coming weekend. Instead, there will be a vote on a later date, as nominations have to be reopened.

Tipperary returning officer Mr James Seymour has stated: “I hereby give notice that I am countermanding, with immediate effect, the poll scheduled to take place in the constituency of Tipperary on Saturday 8th February 2020, following the death of the nominated candidate, Ms Marese Skehan, Cabra Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. I hereby give notice that all acts done in connection with the election (other than the nomination of the surviving candidates) are void, and a fresh election will be held, (date of which will be confirmed by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government).”

While, the Irish General Election campaign had entered its final week; under election legislation, dating back to 1992, nominations must now be reopened, resulting in the election of candidates, not proceeding in the Tipperary constituency this Saturday. It may now be a fortnight before any vote takes place in Tipperary.