Gareth Sheridan fails to secure backing of Meath County Council in Presidential race

A special Meath County Counil meeting to consider the nomination of a candidate for election to the Office of President of Ireland has ended without any candidate being nominated.

Shortly after the meeting commenced, standing orders were suspended to deal with a motion put forward not to nominate any candidate for the Presidential election but was defeated. The motion was put forward by Cllr Gerry O'Connor and seconded by Cllr Joe Fox but was defeated by 15 votes to 11.

This meant the meeting proceeded to hear presentations from candidates seeking nomination for election to the Office of President of Ireland. A total of 17 candidates had sought to present to Meath County Council with six candidates taking the opportunity to make their pitch.

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11am Gareth Sheridan has just made his presentation to Meath County Council and is currently taking questions from members.

When asked by Fine Gael Cllr John Duffy why he stepped away from his successful pharmaceutical business Nutriband after emigrating to the United States, Mr Sheridan responded by saying that he believed his business was now in safe hands and will continue to do well.

He continued by stating that stepping away to take part in the run for the presidential election should demonstrate how serious he is about running.

He is the fourth candidate to present in person to the council. The other candidates who have so far presented this morning are Charlie Keddy, Charlotte Keenan and Lorna McCormack.

11:30am Two candidates have made their pitch via Zoom, Lucy Anne O'Leary and Gearoid Duffy. Sarah Louise Mulligan did not get to present as she was having technical difficulties.

11:40am The only candidate to go forward to a vote was Gareth Sheridan. He has narrowly missed out on a nomination with 13 voting in favour and 14 against. There were five abstentions and eight councillors were absent.