'End of the road': Offaly County Council doesn't back Gareth Sheridan for Áras
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Offaly County Council has decided not to back Gareth Sheridan for Áras today (Monday).
The Nutriband founder was proposed by Caothaoirleach of Offaly County Council John Leahy, and seconded by Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, with a counter-proposal coming from Cllr Liam Quinn, and Cllr Noel Cribbin.
Offaly County Council voted for the counter-proposal first, that Offaly County Council should not nominate a candidate for President, with a result of 11 for, 5 against, 2 abstained, with one absentee.
The voting for the original proposal, for Offaly County Council to nominate Mr Sheridan as their candidate, did not proceed, as the counter-proposal had passed.
Mr Sheridan had spoken at the special meeting of Offaly County Council today as he sought the council's nomination to be put on the ballot.
Offaly councillors had agreed that only candidates nominated and seconded would be permitted to address them. The millionaire businessman was the only one of 22 presidential hopefuls, who contacted the council, to have been proposed by elected members.
Speaking to the chamber, Mr Sheridan said: “It's a pleasure to be in Offaly, [where] I first announced my intention to put myself forward in the presidential race at the Tullamore Show.
"John Joseph Hearne, the architect of our constitution, firmly believed there should be a nomination process beyond that of the Oireachtas. I come here today to the Faithful county, the county of underdogs, to give you the chance to nominate a fellow underdog.”
Mr Sheridan went on to point out his similar achievements with that of Fianna Fail candidate Jim Gavin, the former Dublin GAA manager, noting his own expertise in the area of business and enterprise, and also highlighting his 'people focused' ideals.
The 36-year-old set out his motivations for putting himself forward for the role of President of Ireland, highlighting his age as a benefit rather than a drawback.
He referred to section 42.51 of the Constitution, which he says highlight the government's responsibility to enable citizens to afford their domestic needs through their jobs. He noted housing as his main motivation, as well as enterprise and providing further opportunity for those living in rural communities affected by decarbonisation, such as Offaly.
Mr Sheridan said he doesn't know whether he would attempt to run for Áras again in seven years time.
“I'm not the kind of person to stand back idle when I feel I have something to offer. I chose to come forward this time, because I want what's best for my country. I don't know what issues will be on the table in seven years, I would need to take stock, and see whether I would be a good candidate.”
Cllr Leahy said it was unfortunate it was the "end of the road" for Mr Sheridan, and thanked him for taking the time to come and speak in front of Offaly County Council to ask for the nomination.
Mr Sheridan already had two of the four local authority nominations required, from Tipperary and Kerry councils, and had publicly identified Offaly, Meath (which also opted not to nominate him today) and Louth among councils who could provide the vital other two endorsements.