Gareth Sheridan suffers setback as Carlow rejects nomination bid in presidential race
Gareth Sheridan at the Shelbourne hotel. Picture: Gareth Chaney
Businessman Gareth Sheridan has missed out on a nomination from Carlow County Council in his bid to get on the ballot for next month's presidential election.
The news is a major setback for the pharma entrepreneur, who has the backing of two councils so far and had seen Carlow as a potential third.
The council voted 11–7 against nominating a candidate.
Mr Sheridan will now shift his focus to Monday, when 10 councils are due to vote. Sources say he remains hopeful that at least one will back him.
However, there was better news for former Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy. The independent councillor secured the nomination of Waterford City and County Council.
Candidates require the backing of four councils or 20 Oireachtas members to join Independent TD Catherine Connolly, Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Fianna Fáil's Jim Gavin on the ballot to succeed Michael D. Higgins.
Barrister Maria Steen moved closer to the support of 20 Oireachtas members earlier today when Independent minister Michael Healy Rae said he would nominate her.
Meanwhile, the Independent Ireland group, which has four TDs, confirmed it will meet with her on Monday.
