Strict rules mean only two presidential hopefuls will get to speak to Fingal councillors

Both candidates will address the special council meeting in person on Friday.

ONLY TWO CANDIDATES campaigning for the presidency are confirmed to be vying for backing from Fingal County Council this week as a result of the local authority’s more stringent requirements for Áras hopefuls.

The north Dublin council, made up of 40 councillors, requires presidential hopefuls to secure four signatures from councillors before they are allowed to make a presentation at a special meeting on Friday.

This is a higher threshold for addressing councillors than is required by most other local authorities, and as such, only Gareth Sheridan and Maria Steen have the required number of signatures.