No presidential candidate backed

Louth County Council has opted not to support any candidate in the upcoming Presidential election.

The decision was made at the September meeting of the council after a roll call vote.

Dragon’s Den star Gavin Duffy (pictured) had been the only presidential nominee to address the local authority to appeal for their support earlier this month.

But the Louth man subsequently received the backing of four local authorities elsewhere to get his name on the ballot paper.

Councillors voiced their dissatisfaction at only a small number of apologies being sent by those who were listed to appear at the special meeting.

He had called on the council to hold a further meeting to meet with other candidates who were unable to attend the initial meeting but councillors have opted not to do so.

The meeting heard that any member who wished to nominate another candidate would have to notify all others councillors in writing within three days.