Sharon Keogan & Gareth Sheridan: Council Support Controversy
Sheridan Presidential Bid gains Momentum Amidst Council Support Hunt and Scrutiny of Backer’s Views
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Self-reliant candidate for the upcoming Presidential election, Gavin Sheridan, is actively seeking the necessary support to formally contest the election, requiring nominations from either 20 Oireachtas members or four local councils. His campaign is gaining traction, with claims of securing a “minimum of four” councils, though specific details remain undisclosed to avoid influencing other potential candidates. This push for nominations comes alongside scrutiny of a key campaign supporter, Carol Nolan TD, and her previously expressed controversial views.
Campaign Strategy and early support
Sheridan, formerly the chief executive of Nutriband and now residing in the United States, is relying on grassroots support and independent councillors to reach the required threshold. His campaign team includes former Labour Party senator John Whelan.A campaign spokesperson confirmed that Ms. Nolan has been instrumental in “canvassing support” amongst independent councillors nationwide, introducing Sheridan to key figures at a conference in Limerick in April and maintaining “regular contact” as.
Sheridan himself is funding the campaign from personal savings, as he revealed in an interview with RTÉ Radio One.He asserts his independence, stating he is “not aligned to anyone else’s policy position or any political party and never has been,” and presents a “progressive and positive and inclusive agenda.” The campaign highlighted Sheridan’s family life – his marriage to an American woman and the adoption of their two-year-old daughter, Roe – as evidence of his modern and inclusive values.
Controversy Surrounding Key Backer Carol Nolan
However, the involvement of Carol Nolan, a staunchly independent TD, raises questions. Nolan has a public record of controversial statements and associations. She has been vocal in her opposition to abortion and surrogacy and faced criticism in 2021 for comments suggesting an “organised LGBTQ+ ‘takeover'” of society, made in response to the appointment of Katherine Zappone as a UN special envoy.
Further concerns were raised last year when Nolan hosted an event in Leinster House featuring prominent far-right individuals and anti-vaccination campaigners. This association has prompted scrutiny of whether Sheridan shares similar viewpoints.The campaign spokesperson firmly denied any alignment,emphasizing Sheridan is “his own man” and “not beholden to anyone else’s viewpoints.”
Securing the necessary council support presents a meaningful challenge. Of Ireland’s 31 local authorities,21 are controlled by either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. It is indeed widely anticipated that councillors from these parties will be directed to support their own candidates, making it difficult for independent contenders like Sheridan to gain traction.Fianna Fáil is delaying a decision on its support until a party think-in in mid-September. The Green Party is currently consulting its members, with results expected in early September. Both Independent Ireland and Aontú have confirmed they are not currently engaging with Sheridan’s campaign.
Existing Candidates and Party Positions
To date, only Mairead McGuinness (Fine Gael) and catherine Connolly (Independent TD) have officially declared their candidacy.The Social Democrats have publicly endorsed Connolly, a decision made after consulting with their councillors. Sinn Féin is currently evaluating its options, considering both supporting its own candidate or an external one.
The outcome of the Presidential election remains uncertain, but Sheridan’s campaign is actively working to overcome the hurdles of securing nominations and addressing concerns surrounding the views of key supporters. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can successfully position himself as a viable option to the established candidates.