The Chief Executive of the Department of Local Government and the Environment is not surprised that five local authorities will have to re-advertise for people to stand in the forthcoming elections, after insufficient candidates came forward to fill the vacant seats.

The authorities in question will have to have what are in effect 'by-elections' within the next six weeks, but Ken Kinrade (pictured) says the shortfall in numbers is nothing new and, to a degree, was expected (audio file attached):

If there are still no nominations after the next round of advertising, the process will be repeated as many times as necessary until the places are filled.