BREAKING: Sheridan Aras bid ends as Offaly council votes against nomination
Kerry and Tipp backed businessman but he needed Offaly and Louth to secure place in presidential race
Independent presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has failed in his bid to secure a nomination from Offaly County Council.
After hearing a presentation by Mr Sheridan, Offaly councillors voted on a Fine Gael proposal that no person be nominated.
That proposal was carried comfortably with 11 in favour, five against and one abstention.
Council Cathaoirleach John Leahy said he favoured Mr Sheridan being allowed run for President and voted against the resolution.
The Offaly decision ends Mr Sheridan's hopes of attaining the support of the four local authorities required for entry into the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins.
Earlier on Monday the Dublin businessman was not nominated by Meath County Council and needed both Offaly this afternoon and Louth County Council this evening to vote for him.
Mr Sheridan arrived in Offaly with the backing of Kerry and Tipperary County Councils.
Cllr Leahy, Independent, proposed that the council nominate Mr Sheridan, a move which was seconded by Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.
Cllr Liam Quinn, Fine Gael, tabled the counter proposal that the council nominate no candidate and that was seconded by his party colleague Cllr Noel Cribbin.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael hold a majority in the 19-seat council chamber.