Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has expressed deep disappointment with the government over what he claims were ‘efforts by the government to keep Maria Steen off the ballot. An Teachta Tóibín stated:
First of all I would like to pay tribute to Maria Steen. It a testament to the quality of the woman that she did so well in collecting 18 nominations. She is intelligent and articulate and is a woman of integrity. I have no doubt that she will make a significant contribution to the democratic system in future.
I want to thank all the TDs/Senators, independent and smaller parties, who helped to achieve the 18 nominations. The selection caucus was a novel initiative and could help pave the way for better cooperation among like minded TDs in the future. It is also notable that all of the initial 13 TDs and Senators who committed to supporting her, did.
There is no doubt that there was a concerted effort by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to keep Maria off the ballot. There was a groundswell of support for Maria over the last few weeks in communities throughout the country and both parties knew that they would face a significant challenge. I know that Fianna Fáil strictly controlled TDs to prevent nominations.
There is no doubt that least 6 TDs and Senators who pose as independents, dug in deep to protect FF and FG. These TDs and Senators made I believe a seriously undemocratic decision today by preventing the people picking their president. These TDs and Senators are entitled not to nominate for sure. That is their right. But they also have the responsibility, to give up the pretence of what they stand for.
This is the shortest ballot in 35 years. There is a whole section of society who will not have a voice in the campaign. Hundreds of thousands of people will not engage and many will not vote. I think this is the desired outcome by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
We in Aontú will keep pulling every democratic lever possible to ensure there is democratic change and we would encourage the many disenfranchised people in Ireland to join us in that campaign.
