Serious legal and electoral consequences may follow this misrepresentation – McGrath

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has expressed his grave concern regarding the publication on Wednesday (17th Feb) of a mistaken version of the official General Election Notice of Poll in The Nationalist Newspaper based in Clonmel. In the printed version of the newspaper Deputy McGrath is erroneously categorised as a Fine Gael candidate despite the fact that the Returning Officer had sent a version correctly identifying him as an Independent Non-Party Candidate:

“This is a matter of the gravest importance and one which has already generated a considerable amount of confusion and negativity toward my campaign.

I immediately referred the matter to my legal representatives who are taking the matter extremely seriously.  

I cannot stress enough the likely damage this is going to bring about given the official nature of the Notice.

I must also say that I am deeply disappointed at the manner with which this issue is being treated by the Nationalist Newspaper.

Indeed I was stunned that the online version of the mistaken notice was still available for the public to see until late FridayEvening  (19th February) despite the nationalist newspaper being made aware of the error since the morning of Wednesday(17th of Feb).

As things stand the matter is continuing to receive legal attention in an effort to bring about absolute clarity as to the Independent nature of my candidacy.

Let me be clear, I am an Independent Candidate and if re-elected, will continue to be a strong independent voice for the people of Tipperary,” concluded Deputy McGrath.