Kerry County Council backs Gareth Sheridan's presidential bid

James Cox

Kerry County Council has voted to nominate Gareth Sheridan as a presidential election candidate.

The businessman was among a number of independent candidates to address the local authority last week.

Names to miss out on the nomination include Maria Steen and Nick Delahanty.

Eighteen members of the council voted to nominate a candidate, while 14 voted against, with Gareth Sheridan coming out as the chosen name.

He needs the backing of three more local authorities to be eligible to contest the presidency.

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the presidential election campaign.

The former MMA fighter claims the country is constrained by the "straitjacket of an outdated Constitution", preventing him from running.

In a statement on X, he said: "Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race.

"This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here.

"I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home."

Mr Sheridan will now go on to look for the backing of three more local authorities.

Ms Steen has the backing of 10 Oireachtas members, but still needs 10 more to run for president.

It is looking increasingly likely the presidential election will be a three-horse race of Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael), Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil) and Independent candidate Catherine Connolly.

This could change if Mr Sheridan or Ms Steen receive additional support, or if Sinn Féin decide to put forward a candidate.

Despite polling well, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out.