Gareth Sheridan to address Offaly council next Monday

Businessman and entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan is the only prospective presidential election candidate allowed to address a special meeting of Offaly County Council next week from a field of 22 applicants.

The September monthly meeting of the council today (Monday) heard that 36-year old Mr Sheridan is the only one of 22 presidential hopefuls who have written to the council seeking a nomination to have been proposed and seconded by elected members. The millionaire founder of US-based company, Nutribrand, was proposed by Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council John Leahy and seconded by Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.

Mr Sheridan already received the backing of the elected members of Kerry County Council earlier today, and needs the support of just three more local authorities in order to have his name placed on the ballot paper to contest the upcoming election on October 24 to decide on a successor to outgoing President Michael D. Higgins.

At next week's special meeting, which gets underway at 12 noon, Gareth Sheridan will be given 15 minutes to make his presentation to members, and this will be followed by a brief question and answer session before members vote on the issue.

“As it stands right now, the only person who can address the Chamber is Gareth Sheridan,” pointed out Cllr Leahy ,who added that “if by some small miracle” any of the other 22 hopefuls who have sent in written requests were to be proposed and seconded by an elected member, they would also be entitled to make their pitch to the council.

However, the Cathaoirleach said he did “not expect” there to be other presidential hopefuls coming forward between now and next Monday having secured a proposer and seconder.