The Dublin businessman has made an impression on Kerry’s independent councillors during his election campaign
Councillors Jackie Healy-Rae and Teddy Casey O’Sullivan have expressed their support for the Dublin businessman, while councillors Charlie Farrelly, Sam Locke and Dan McCarthy see him as one of their favourites.
To be eligible for the presidency, a candidate must either secure 20 endorsements in the Oireachtas, be the incumbent president or gain a majority in four counties.
Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae said he will likely vote for Sheridan to give him a chance to make his pitch to the nation.
“I’m giving serious consideration to paving the way for Gareth Sheridan. In my mind he did everything right, he contacted me weeks ago and he came to Kerry to meet me,” he said.
“I know enough about him to know that he’s a serious candidate. He’s taking it seriously and he’s proving that by his actions.
“I would like to allow him to be put before the people.”
At age 35, the founder of Nutriband and multi-millionaire would be the youngest ever presidential candidate if he is able to get on the ticket. During his pitch to the council, he said he wanted to create a successful Ireland that can be handed down to the next generation.
He urged councillors to use their constitutional right to exercise their vote, and not to make it the preserve of political parties.
“Its the perfect time for a young president,” he said.
Among the other pitches favoured by the non-party councillors was solicitor Nick Delehanty, and barrister and conservative campaigner Maria Steen.
Councillor Charlie Farrelly said these two and Mr Sheridan were the only candidates that contacted him prior to the council meeting.
“Its between those three that I’ll vote. I hope we put one forward next Monday,” he said.
Though Fine Gael councillors have been instructed to only nominate their party’s ratified candidate and a similar pattern is expected from Fianna Fáil members, there is hope that some may abstain from the vote.
In Kerry independents make up the biggest fraction of local councillors so there is still a possibility of independent candidate being nominated even if party-affiliated candidates tow the line.
Mr Sheridan said at Monday’s conference that he was “frustrated” by Fine Gael’s decision to block independents.
“I don’t think it has happened in my lifetime. I’m troubled in a way that it will create a system where people will only be able to consider candidates that will come from within the walls of Leinster House. I think it’s a sentiment that resonates with a lot of people. I think it’s a dangerous precedent to set,” he said.
The full council will gather on Monday to vote for their preferred candidate.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.