Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I have not seen any of the major parties trying to remove an Independent or an Independent representing a group from the council by way of vote in many years.

The position is the same for a Member of the Oireachtas. However, under the Local Government Acts, a Member of an Oireachtas or an MEP cannot stand as a candidate at a local election. As Senator Brennan is aware, that matter is currently before the courts and a decision is expected within a number of weeks.