In a break with other local authorities so far, Dublin City Council has announced that it will not be supporting any of the prospective nominees bids for president.
As things stand, businessman Sean Gallagher (Roscommon, Mayo, Leitrim, Wexford) has achieved the required four local authority nominations. Senator Joan Freeman (Cork, Galway County Council, Galway City Council, Fingal County Council), the founder of Pieta house, will also be on the ballot come October.
Gavin Duffy, another businessman and star of Dragons’ Den, is also hopeful of picking up two more nominations. He currently has the support of Carlow County Council and Wicklow County Council. He is expected to win the nomination of Louth County Council, where he is based.
Dublin City Council, after hearing submissions from six nominees today — have declined to nominate any person. Prospective nominees without any support so far include journalist Gemma O’Doherty, actress Sarah Louise Mulligan and artist Kevin Sharkey.
At a special City Council meeting @DublinCityHall this afternoon to nominate a Presidential candidate, following representations from 6 nominees, @DubCityCouncil did not nominate any person for President. #Aras2018
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) September 13, 2018
It is now suspected that there will be at least four challengers to the incumbent Michael D. Higgins, as Sinn Féin are set to announce a candidate with the support of their Oireachtas members.
The election is set to be held on October 26.
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