‘I don’t support any of them’– Gareth Sheridan narrowly misses out on Meath’s nomination for presidency
Among the declarations during a fiery Meath County Council special meeting were "I don't support any one of them" and “anti abortion is my forte”, as millionaire entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan narrowly failed to secure a presidential nomination from Meath.
The proposal to nominate Mr Sheridan was defeated by 14 votes to 13, with five abstentions and eight councillors absent of the 40 Meath councillors.
The result leaves him two endorsements short of the four local authority nominations required to formally contest the presidential election.
Mr Sheridan had already secured backing from Kerry and Tipperary county councils.
The 36-year-old businessman, who built his fortune in the pharmaceutical sector, was one of six hopefuls who pitched to councillors on Monday.
Despite moments of argument and confusion, the session ended without any candidate receiving Meath’s support.
Shortly after the meeting commenced, standing orders were suspended to allow debate on a motion that sought to block the nomination of any candidate for the presidential election.
The motion, put forward by Cllr Gerry O’Connor and seconded by Cllr Joe Fox, was defeated by 15 votes to 11, clearing the way for presentations to proceed.
Meanwhile Independent councillor Alan Lawes, spoke to the Irish Independent before the meeting and said he supported Mr Sheridan’s bid.
“Gareth is an impressive candidate and should be given the opportunity to put himself before the Irish people as a candidate for president.”
“Unfortunately, in Ireland, the system of democracy is restrictive for historic reasons that, to me, are anti-democratic.”
“There should be no restrictions preventing any Irish citizen from putting themselves forward to stand for public office in a true democracy.”
“But in Ireland, there are restrictions preventing Irish citizens from standing in the Presidential and Senate elections.”
Cllr Lawes added that although he would ultimately support Catherine Connolly, he viewed Mr Sheridan as “the most impressive candidate and the most likely to succeed.”
Tensions rose as councillors debated whether the candidates had the credibility or public service experience required for the presidency.
Cllr Carol Lennon (Independent) said it was “difficult” for a candidate to get four nominations from councils if they were not already known to the public.
However Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan was more blunt. She said: “None of these candidates have shown public service….I do not support any one of them.”
Several councillors argued that the hopefuls had failed to reach out in advance.
Aontú councillor, Dave Boyne dismissed the idea that candidates should have called beforehand:
“This notion that people should be ringing people beforehand is ridiculous…this is meant to be the forum to do so,” he said.
The meeting grew heated, forcing a five-minute recess to restore calm before candidates began their presentations.
In total, 17 candidates had sought to present to Meath County Council, though only six ultimately did.
At around 11 a.m., Mr Sheridan addressed the chamber. When asked by Fine Gael Cllr John Duffy why he stepped away from his successful pharmaceutical business, Mr Sheridan said: “I believed my business was now in safe hands and will continue to do well.”
He continued: “Stepping away to take part in the run for the presidential election should demonstrate how serious I am about running.”
Mr Sheridan was the fourth candidate to present in person. He concluded his speech by saying the housing crisis is one of the issues that should be addressed “head on”.
He also highlighted his positions – “I’m pro Gaza, I’m pro united Ireland, I’m pro same-sex marriage, and I’m pro choice.”
Other candidates included retired plumber Charlie Keddy, who said he intended to maintain the presidency “as it’s been”
He said: “I am going to keep the presidency as it’s been.”
“Anti abortion is my forte….there are many people like me that think it’s wrong,” Mr Keddy added.
Artist Charlotte Keenan and businesswoman Lorna McCormack also presented, while Lucy Anne O’Leary and Gearoid Duffy joined via Zoom. Sarah Louise Mulligan was unable to present due to technical difficulties.
After all presentations concluded, Mr Sheridan was the only candidate to go forward to a vote after being proposed by Independent councillor Carol Lennon and seconded by Cllr Geraldine Keogan.
Despite strong backing from Kerry and Tipperary, Sheridan remains short of the four council nominations needed to enter the presidential race.
Speaking afterwards, Cllr Nick Killian said he was disappointed at the result.
“It’s disappointing that young people might not get the chance to vote for people their age,” he said.