Donegal county councillor Jimmy Kavanagh has called on Peter Casey to return his presidential deposit to the community.
Ending up with 23% of the popular vote, Casey cleared the 12.5% threshold necessary to win back his initial deposit paid. Kavanagh, who is a member of Fine Gael, has called on Casey to use the money to enrich some local charities.
Kavanagh noted that Casey had promised to forego his presidential salary if elected, pledging the money to local authorities.
Speaking to
Donegal Daily, Kavanagh said: "Peter Casey performed really well in the election and as a result will have his expenses returned by the State, given that Peter is a big-hearted man maybe he would consider donating that money to Donegal county council instead of taking it back.
“It would prove that Peter is indeed true to his word and would have acted on his promise had he been elected.
“There are many worthy causes in the County that could make great use of that money, Donegal Hospice springs to mind or Pieta House or indeed the Donegal Travellers Project.
“I would urge Peter Casey to investigate if it is possible for him to forego the return of his expenses and put it to good hear in the County where he lives, it would also be a nice gesture given that Peter pays his income taxes in the United States rather than to the Irish State.”
