BREAKING: Laois not backing presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan
Young Dublin millionaire had claimed that Laois and Tipperary council backed his bid as President of Ireland
A source in Laois County Council has denied its backing for presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan.
The 35 year old Dublin millionaire businessman made the claim at the launch of his campaign to seek support to run for election as President of Ireland, held in Dublin on August 15.
He needs the backing of four local authorities. Mr Sheridan who is a former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, claimed he had the backing of both Laois and Tipperary County Councils.
However a Fine Gael source in Laois County Council has told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that no such decision was made, and furthermore it is unlikely to happen.
"Contrary to media reports, no decision has been taken by Laois County Council to nominate a particular candidate for President, if indeed the council will be nominating anyone at all.
"There is a clear majority of 11 councillors between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, who will be voting in line with their parties nationally.
"It would be very unlikely for either party to deviate in Laois from the approach taken by either party at national level, meaning that the chances of an independent candidate receiving a nomination in Laois are very remote," the source said.
A presidential election must take place in the 60 days before President Higgins retires on 11 November 2025.
The shock news that popular Fine Gael candidate and former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness was withdrawing her candidacy for health reasons, means that the only candidate so far is Independent TD Catherine Connelly.