The Presidential candidate hopefuls have been slow to arrive at City Hall.
Only one of the seven listed had turned up at City Hall by 4.20pm for the special 4pm city council meeting.
By 4.20 there was no sign of any candidate which prompted annoyance and anger from some councillors. Councillor Niall McNelis said you wouldn't dream of turning up late to a job interview, and that's exactly what this is.
The tension was somewhat broken by Councillor Alan Cheevers arriving late into the meeting around the same time, and there was hearty laughter when someone quipped "Here's the first candidate now".
A motion was passed for the meeting to be ended at 4.30 if no-one had appeared, and just as it seemed it would all be over without a word being spoken, it was announced that a trickle of appearances was beginning.
First to speak was Diarmuid Mulcahy an Irish speaker living in Barna since the 1980s, but originally from Kerry. He said he had a "colourful" career in lots of different fields including finance, seafood, community organisations, and Gaeltacht groups. He also outlined how he was a member of many groups, including a former board member of Western Development Commission, and was involved with the Green Party National Party, as well as with local GAA and Rugby clubs.
He told the chamber that he comes from a long line of community service, and his own parents were recognised by the Pope for their work in community and education. He said he see a country going through a lot of change, and the wider world too - and opined that Ireland is looking how to redefine itself into the future and where we fit in the world. He noted we're all aware of Gaza and Ukraine - things he said he abhors. He offered that as president, he would be a unifying presence, with huge focus on peacemaking.
Shortly after Mr Mulcahy finished speaking Cllrs were informed two of the speakers went to County Hall by accident and are now on their way to City Hall.
It's not known if Nick Delehanty was one of the speakers who got lost but he was the second candidate hopeful to address the chamber. He said he had a big focus on young people - said he's 35 years old, and part of generation rent, but no-one in the race so far is speaking to young people and there's a big disconnect there.
He said younger people are struggling, and feel a social contract has been "broken". He said this country needs brutal honesty, because many of the major crises in Ireland cannot be solved without frank and brutal honesty, like the housing crisis. He added it has to be recognised that sometimes it's more beneficial to admit "I don't have the answer". He told the chamber that he has a background in law and spent 10 years as a solicitor, but now runs a small business employing 10 people.
The next speaker was unlisted but councillors allowed him to address them - Keith McGrory described himself as a successful entrepeneur, with 25 years experience in the construction sector, and the inventor of an internationally recognised commercial painting tool.
He believes his entrepreneurial mindset could be applied to the presidency and said he's the right man at the right time, with formal and hands on experience. He said we cannot keep going down this road where young people are struggling so badly.
He grew up in Donegal during the troubles, and stated his brother was badly injured during the Omagh Bombing. He said as president, he would hold the principles of peace and unity close to his heart. He told councillors he was a keen sportsman in his youth, playing for Finn Harps and Derry City, and had trials in the Premier League. He stated sport taught him the importance of teamwork, resilience, discipline and unity.
Meanwhile 30 candidates have sought the support of Galway County Council but 13 have accepted the invitation to attend tomorrow morning's meeting.
Abbas Ali O'Shea; Matilda Crumlish; Nick Delehanty; Aidan Harrington; Séana Kerr; Diarmuid Mulcahy; Obi Joseph Chikelue; Gearoid O Dubhthaigh; Lucy-Anne O Leary; Walter Ryan Purcell; Cora Stack; Maria Steen and Gerben Uunk.
The meeting takes place at 11 tomorrow morning.
