Gareth Sheridan not to address Cork County Council on Monday despite inclusion on list

By Peter McCarthy, Corkman

Twenty-five people have confirmed they wish to seek the nomination of Cork County Council to become a candidate in the presidential election at a special meeting being held next Monday afternoon.

The prospective candidates can present in person before the councillors or submit their presentation in writing. However, it’s unlikely that all of the people on the list will seek the nomination. Cork County Council told the Irish Independent that “although many have confirmed, we cannot guarantee their attendance.”

One of the candidates on the list who definitely won’t be addressing Cork councillors is Gareth Sheridan, his campaign team confirmed to the Irish Independent. Sheridan has already won the support of two county councils, Kerry and Tipperary, and needs two more to secure a presidential nomination.

Rowena Mulcahy was also included on the list, but will also not be presenting on Monday before Cork County Council.

The other names on the list are Dr Joseph Chikelue Obi; Lorna McCormack; Barry Wheely-Row; Conor O'Brien; Padraig Ó Dúinnin; Nick Delehanty; Sarah Louise Mulligan; Ian Doyle; Dr Donncha MacGabhann; Dr Cora Stack; Walter Ryan-Purcell; Maria Steen; William Philip Allen; Gerben Uunk; Cllr Kieran McCarthy; Gearóid Duffy; Dolores Cahill; Charlie Keddy; Peter Casey; Aidan Harrington; Tony Corrigan; Diarmaid Mulcahy and Conor Murphy.

After they make their presentations there will be a resolution to nominate one or none of them to be a candidate in the presidential election. Fine Gael has instructed its councillors across the country to vote against nominating a candidate while Fianna Fáil has said it is allowing a free vote.

However, at Cork City Council this week Fianna Fáil voted alongside Fine Gael and Sinn Féin to block a nomination. Between them Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael hold 37 of the 55 seats on Cork County Council.

The nomination period for the presidential campaign closes at 12 noon next Wednesday. A number of councils are going to be holding special meetings over the coming days to consider would-be candidates.