The move has set a dangerous precedent, according to a sitting Westmeath councillor.
The decision not to co-opt Kevin 'Boxer' Moran onto Westmeath County Council amounts to "political apartheid" for independent reps.
That's according to Labour's Denis Leonard, who says the local authority broke with tradition in not selecting the nominated candidate of the councillor stepping down.
Former OPW Minister Moran was beaten to the seat, left vacant by his son, by Paul Hogan at a meeting of the local authority yesterday.
Councillor Leonard says the move sets a dangerous precedent going forward:
Denis Leonard will be discussing the topic with Will Faulkner on Midlands Today at 9.30 this morning.
Meanwhile, another councillor believes the co-option process "flies in the face of democracy".
Fianna Fáil's John Shaw says it doesn't help to encourage new faces into politics.
He question is - 'is it right that if a father steps down, he gives it to his son or his brother or vice versa?', adding it's his opinion that the public wouldn't appreciate that kind of set up.
Councillor Shaw suggests a different approach would be fairer:
Record Number Of Woman Declare For 2024 Local Elections
Westmeath Cafe Customers Reluctant To Take Home Cans After DRS Implementation
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
Dáil To Debate Replacement Of Means-Testing For Family Carers
'Pleasant' Mother And Daughter The Winners Of €150k Offaly Scratch Card
Serious Offaly Crash Which Saw Four People Hospitalised Under Investigation
Over 150 Midlands Businesses On Board For LOFFA Rainbow Day
Offaly Lotto Player Bags €150k Winning Ticket
Westmeath Army Barracks To Benefit From Increased Defence Funding
Midlands Children Raise Over €19k On National Pyjama Day
Gardaí Investigating After Two Or Three Men Involved In Laois Burglary
Report Finds Laois Town Can Be "More Than The Electric Picnic Site"
"Sustainability Is The Way Forward" - New Refill Mill Owner
People With Disabilities Suffering A 'Silent' Housing Crisis - Irish Wheelchair Association
Over €3m Granted For Road Repairs In The Midlands
Hosting Refugee Roadshow Coming To Offaly
Teenage Unaccompanied Learner Driver Caught Travelling Twice The Speed Limit
Investigation Launched Following Laois Burglary
Land Prices Are Set To Slump After Months Of Rain
'Push For Paul' Fundraiser Running Through Westmeath And Offaly Today