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11 Nov 2025
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11 Nov 2025
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Aontú TD Paul Lawless spoke in the wake of comments from Councillor Damien Ryan at the Swinford-Claremorris Municipal District Meeting.
Mayo TD Paul Lawless has responded to comments made regarding the spoiling of votes by Aontú members in the Presidential Election, including one labelling it a 'slur on democracy'.
At the most recent Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District Meeting, the topic of spoiling votes in the October 24 Presidential Election between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphries was touched on first by Councillor Patsy O'Brien and Councillor Damien Ryan.
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A total of 6,311 people in Mayo spoiled their vote, and among those was Aontú TD Paul Lawless. The other Aontu TD, and party leader Peadar Toibín, also spoiled his vote, stating, “I had no way to exercise a political choice and I wanted to protest that.”
Cllr O'Brien was first to broach the subject.
“Can I ask the question, when the next general election comes, will those people ask the people to spoil their vote? I don't think they will. I think it's incredible.
“I certainly wouldn't have anything to do with it, shame on those people who would say that.”
Cllr Damien Ryan reiterated the musings of his fellow Councillor.
“Too many people lost their lives for the ability and the right to vote, and to go out and to spoil your vote is a slur on democracy."
Now, Deputy Lawless has offered his perspective on the issue, which has caused plenty of conversation.
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