Ongoing disquiet and discontent among Connacht Region SJI members led to multiple calls for the recent election to be scrapped and held again while the issue was also raised at this week’s meeting of SJI Executive.

The Connacht Region AGM was held on December 15 last but ongoing concerns over voting procedures on the night have persisted with a sizeable group of long-standing SJI members calling for a new election to be held.

It has been confirmed that a non-member voted on the night, while another voted 30 minutes in advance of the 8pm AGM start time, while other members raised questions over the security of the unsealed ballot box.

Niall Carey of Tullaghansleek Stud said: “There is a lot of disquiet over this and we feel that we are not being listened to by the SJI and that there is no fair play or democracy at work here. We need a new AGM and election.”

Geraldine Gallagher said: “I believe the AGM was a complete and utter shambles. We need a new AGM and start from scratch again.” Walter Reape said: “I can see no other way of resolving this. I’m over 20 years involved in the Connacht Region but I can see nothing else at this stage given all the irregularities to hold the election again.”

Joan Fallon Walsh narrowly missed out being elected. “It is about what has gone on on the night. There were people voting who were not members at all. There was 51 genuine votes for me.

“What happened was an absolute insult to all. People wrote letters to the SJI over it and were taken no notice of.”

Noel Burke, who also narrowly missed out on being elected, said: “A re-election has to be held. That’s the minimum that has to be done. The AGM was a farce.”

Chrstine Shanley, who is a well-known judge, said: “I have no axe to grind. If we could have had a discussion with the SJI about this, a meeting, and a recount could have avoided this. There are no winners here, we are all losers.”

Ray Halpin said: “The best way forward is to have a complete new election – hold the AGM again and take a brand new vote.”

Tommy Gibbons said he went to lengths to avoid the issue coming into the public domain and also pointed out that the committee was voluntary.

“There is a lot of unhappy people out there who tried very hard to get this resolved without resorting to this being in the public eye.”

Meanwhile, in response to press queries put to chair Ray Buchanan, an SJI spokesperson said: “I can confirm that SJI are aware of ongoing discontent over the Connacht region election procedure.

“A solicitor from the Connacht delegation has issued legal proceedings, therefore SJI are not in a position to comment at this time.”