Council Vote Tips in Sheridan’s Favour
Tipperary County Council has voted to back businessman Gareth Sheridan’s presidential bid, marking his second local authority endorsement in as many days.
The decision puts Sheridan one step closer to securing a place on the ballot, with two more council nominations now needed.
A total of 17 councillors supported Sheridan, while 16 abstained. Three councillors backed rival nominee Kieran McCarthy, the former Lord Mayor of Cork, and four were absent.
Many of those abstaining came from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with councillors noting their parties already had candidates in the race.
Tense Build-Up to the Vote
The outcome followed a tense preliminary ballot on whether to nominate any candidate at all.
That vote was narrowly carried 20-19 in favour, allowing Sheridan and McCarthy to go head-to-head.
Sheridan described the result as significant for his campaign, declaring that Tipperary had “sent a message” by backing him.
“I’m fully aware of the old saying, ‘where Tipperary leads, Ireland follows’,” he told the chamber.
Support from Independents and Labour
Sheridan’s nomination was formally proposed by Independent councillor Seamus Morris and seconded by Independent Liam Browne.
Several Independents linked to local TDs Michael Lowry and Mattie McGrath supported the businessman, alongside Labour members and some Fine Gael councillors.
This cross-party backing ensured Sheridan edged out McCarthy and moved closer to a presidential campaign.
Kerry Backing Secured Earlier
The Tipperary decision comes a day after Sheridan secured support from Kerry County Council.
It means the businessman now has two of the four nominations required from local authorities.
He is one of several hopefuls pursuing the council route, an alternative pathway for those without sufficient Oireachtas support.
Candidates Pitch to Councillors
Eight candidates addressed Tipperary councillors during Tuesday’s session.
Topics ranged from the housing crisis to drug treatment services and protections for whistleblowers.
The meeting in Nenagh was calmer than “Super Monday”, when candidates travelled across the country in a flurry of pitches.
Some hopefuls, including 2018 runner-up Peter Casey, failed to attend, while another candidate arrived an hour late.
Technical Issues Cause Confusion
Proceedings were briefly disrupted by technical problems during the hybrid meeting.
Some councillors struggled to cast votes, and frustration was audible after one member left their microphone on.
Labour councillor Michael “Chicken” Brennan was initially recorded as absent during the preliminary vote on whether to nominate any candidate.
However, he later explained technical issues had prevented him from voting, and he was eventually able to cast his ballot.
His vote proved decisive, swinging the count 20-19 in favour of proceeding.
Sheridan Eyes Wider Support
Once the vote went ahead, many Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael councillors abstained, clearing the way for Sheridan.
With their abstentions, Independents and smaller party members combined to hand him victory.
Former Dragon’s Den panellist Gavin Duffy, himself a previous presidential candidate, was spotted lobbying in Sheridan’s favour.
Sheridan’s campaign had identified Tipperary as a target for support.
At his launch in Tullamore, Co Offaly, earlier this summer, he was flanked by councillors Morris and Browne, both of whom proposed him this week.
Sheridan now hopes to build on the momentum, insisting the race for the Áras will be “more than a three-horse contest” following Tipperary’s endorsement.
