Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Seán Gallagher Photocall Ireland
Race for the Áras

Gallagher gathers Áras support from councils as Roscommon comes on board

Sean Gallagher believes he has the backing of Roscommon, Clare and Donegal councils ahead of the autumn presidential election is secure.

Updated 8.45pm

BUSINESSMAN SEÁN GALLAGHER says he has received the unanimous support of Roscommon County Council in his quest to be an independent candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Gallagher was earlier said to be “delighted” to receive support from Clare County Council and Donegal County Council.

A campaign spokesperson has told TheJournal that he won the support of the majority of Independent candidates and the Fianna Fáil group in the vote in Clare this afternoon, while the Fine Gael group and a small number of Independents voted against him. Gallagher won the council’s backing by just one vote.

Meanwhile the vote by Donegal County Council this afternoon was not a formal nomination, though the Gallagher campaign sees this as a “clear statement of support” and hopes to receive the council’s formal backing in the autumn.

Gallagher tweeted his pleasure with the outcome.

A source indicated to TheJournal.ie that the support was not “set in stone.”

It is understood a motion to support Gallagher was backed by the Fianna Fáil members of the council. In total there were 13 votes for Gallagher, one for fellow independent Mary Davis and 12 abstentions.

Last week, Gallagher received the backing of Longford County Council although this was not a formal nomination as was later clarified and the council was reported to be seeking legal advice on the matter.

Longford County C0uncil declined to comment when contacted this afternoon about the matter.

In the meantime Gallagher’s campaign considers today’s backing from Donegal County Council as a clear statement of intent and a spokesperson told TheJournal.ie that it was “especially gratifying to have the support of the council in his father’s home county.”

Read all of TheJournal.ie‘s Race for the Áras coverage >

- Additional reporting by Emer Mc Lysaght

Your Voice
Readers Comments
25
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.