Offaly County Council may nominate Gareth Sheridan for Presidential candidacy

THERE'S a possibility that Offaly County Council might nominate Gareth Sheridan for a Presidential candidacy following their September monthly meeting in Áras an Chontae on Monday afternoon last.
Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, told the Councillors, during the part of the agenda called “Presidential Election - Nominations Process and Special Meeting arrangements”, that the Council had received letters from 22 people seeking nominations for a place on the ballot paper for the Presidential Election.
He said that of those 22 people only one had received a proposer and seconder from the Offaly Councillors, namely Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick and himself, who are both Independents and therefore not restricted by any party diktats.
“I propose that we agree to meet Gareth Sheridan next week and discuss his Presidential ambition with him,” commented Cllr Leahy. Cllr Fitzpatrick seconded.
The Council will therefore meet Mr Sheridan in Áras an Chontae next Monday, September 22 at midday. “It will be a short meeting,” said the Cathaoirleach. “Mr Sheridan will be able to give a 15 minute presentation to us and then there will be a five minute Q and A session between us and him.”
The other Councillors didn't comment on the matter and gave no indication whether they will agree to Mr Sheridan's nomination for a place on the Presidential Election ballot paper or not.
Mr Sheridan already has one nomination secured in Kerry. At the time of writing, on Tuesday the 16th, just before we go to press, it's been confirmed that he will backed by Tipperary County Council. The Laois Councillors however decided not to back him during their meeting on Monday. There's a possibility that Meath Co Co might back him as well. He requires nominations from four Councils to get on the ballot paper; therefore if he secure's Meath's and Offaly's backing then he will be able to go forward and contest the election.
Commentators say that Mr Sheridan's willingness to meet and talk with Councillors around the country mean that quite a few Councillors are looking favourably on him.
Apart from the big three of Heather Humphreys, Catherine Connolly and Jim Gavin, the other prospective candidates, with the exception of Mr Sheridan, are making no discernible progress. People such as Nick Delehanty and Maria Steen have encountered a number of frustrating stumbling blocks during their campaigns.
Many are criticising Sinn Féin for not putting forward a candidate. Some are of the view that Pearse Doherty will probably be the person put forward by the party. Sinn Féin says it will reach its decision this Saturday.
Gareth Sheridan is 36 years of age and is the former CEO of US-based company Nutriband. He is a multi-millionaire and will be the youngest ever president if he is elected.

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