Council to be asked to back Gallagher for Presidency
Offaly councillors will have their first chance to pin their colours to the mast in Ireland's Presidential race at their monthly meeting next Monday. The meeting agenda includes a proposal by Independent Councillor John Leahy, looking for a nomination from Offaly County Council for Seán Gallagher.
To enter the Presidential race candidates need a vote of support from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.
However Cllr Leahy told the Offaly Independent this week that although he has "a general feeling at the moment that a lot of people would be interested in backing Seán outside Fine Gael", the motion might be deferred to allow councillors hear presentations from other candidates before making a decision.
Even if the motion remains on the agenda and is carried, Cathaoirleach Danny Owens it would only be an indicative vote and a formal vote would still have to take place in the future. "At this point in time we've still a long way to go," he told the Offaly Independent yesterday.
Cllr Leahy said this week his motion is just to "put Seán Gallagher in the race". "If he does get the nominations I do think he'll be elected," Cllr Leahy said. "I'd love to see Offaly supporting him."
Cllr Leahy cites Mr Gallagher's Offaly connections (his mother was born in Clara and lived in Tullamore), as well as his dynamic and passionate nature as the main reasons for his support.
"Not only has he been successful in business, he's given his time freely to community groups," Cllr Leahy said. "He can relate to everyone and I think that's what we need."
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