Results of Medical Council Election announced
Friday 27th February 2026: Following the close of the Medical Council election process on Thursday 26th February at 12 noon, the independent Returning Officer, Dublin County Sheriff Mr Fergus Gallagher has today announced the results of the elections.
In total, 8 candidates contested three positions in three categories in the election.
The following have been deemed elected by the returning officer:
Specialist Division – Anaesthesia: Dr Ehtesham Izhar Khan, Registration Number: 049848
Specialist Division – Public Health Medicine: Dr Mai Mannix, Registration Number 011309
Specialist Division – Pathology or Radiology: Prof John Conor O’Keane, Registration Number: 008071
This election took place as the current term of office of one of the directly elected members of the Medical Council is due to expire on 31st May 2026 and there were two existing vacancies on the Medical Council. These have been filled by an election process in accordance with the Medical Council’s election regulations.
The Independent Returning Officer, Dublin County Sheriff Mr Fergus Gallagher announced the results of election for appointment to the Medical Council:
“As Returning Officer, I today (27th February 2026) announce the results of the elections of medical members of the Medical Council. The total number of doctors who voted in the election was 6,316.
“Three candidates have been elected, subject to appointment by the Minister for Health.
“In accordance with the regulations, as Returning Officer I have given written notice to every person elected of their election and have supplied the Minister and the Medical Council with a list of the persons elected”, concluded Mr Gallagher.
Speaking today, Dr Maria O’Kane, CEO of the Medical Council, said: “My sincere congratulations to the three doctors elected to the Medical Council for the upcoming term. I know the newly elected members will have a great impact on strengthening patient safety and shaping the future of the Medical Council through their contributions. I look forward to working with all our members over the coming years.
“Council members hold responsibility for making decisions and upholding principles that protect patients and support the highest standards of medical practice.
“We are very grateful to all those who put themselves forward for election, and I hope all our election candidates continue to engage with the Medical Council in the future. Our thanks also to the doctors on our register who cast their vote.”
The Medical Council is the regulatory body for doctors and has a statutory role in protecting the public by promoting the highest professional standards amongst doctors practising in Ireland.
The Medical Council is made up of 25 members, six of whom are elected positions, five appointed by the Minister for Health through the public appointments service, one nominated by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, two nominated by the HSE, two by the Medical Schools Council and one nominated by each of the following: HIQA, NMBI, CORU, ICGP, RCSI, RCPI, College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, Private Hospitals Association and the Royal Irish Academy.
The newly appointed Council members will begin their term on 1st June 2026.