LATEST: Waterford City and County Council backs Cork councillor in presidential bid

Members of Waterford City and County Council have voted to nominate Cllr Kieran McCarthy in his bid to contest the upcoming Presidential Election.

A total of 11 candidates made presentations to elected members at a Special Meeting in Dungarvan this Friday evening.

Following the conclusion of the presentations, a vote took place and the former Lord Mayor of Cork received the Presidential Candidate nomination from Waterford City and County Council.

Proposed by Cllr Joe O’ Riordan and seconded by Cllr Joe Kelly, the motion to nominate the current member of Cork City Council was narrowly passed.

There were 11 votes in favour, 10 votes against with five abstentions.

Commenting on social media following the meeting, Cllr McCarthy said: "Many thanks to Waterford City and County County Council for their full nomination for the Presidential ballot paper- one of my first of four local authority nominations to get with time very much running out. The chase and contribution to the debate continues."

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Cllr McCarthy is just the second potential candidate to secure the support of any local authority while Waterford City and County Council is just the third local authority to formally nominate a candidate.

Businessman Gareth Sheridan has secured the support of Kerry County Council and Tipperary County Council.

To be included on the ballot paper, independent candidates must secure the support of four local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas.

The deadline for inclusion is next Wednesday, September 24, with the vote taking place on Friday, October 24.