Kildare County Council to discuss presidential endorsement at special meeting this afternoon

By Kim O'Leary

Kildare County Council is due to hold a second meeting later this afternoon at 2pm to enable those hoping to get a presidential nomination to make presentations, with Dragon's Den businessman and Derry-born presidential candidate Peter Casey amongst those making pitches today.

On August 27 at the first meeting for nominations several presidential candidates made their pitches before Kildare councillors, and this afternoon's meeting will begin at 2pm and it is understood that a vote is not scheduled at this point.

Candidates hoping to contest October's presidential election require the support of four county councils or 20 members of the Oireachtas to get their names on the ballot paper, and as of last night there are now three candidates vying for the role of President of Ireland.

Incumbent Michael D. Higgins automatically qualifies and he is now joined by Sean Gallagher who secured  5 endorsements from Roscommon, Mayo, Leitrim, Wexford, Cavan, while Independent Joan Freeman secured 4 endorsements from Cork City, Fingal, Galway County, Galway City,  while Louth businessman Gavin Duffy needs one more endorsement having already received 3 endorsements from Meath, Carlow, Wicklow county councils.

Those currently seeking endorsements are Peter Casey, William Delaney 1957-1970, Patrick Feeney, John Groarke, Patrick Melly, Marie Goretti Moylan, Sarah Louise Mulligan, Gemma O'Doherty, Kevin Sharkey, and James Smyth.