Gareth Sheridan has been selected as Kerry County Council’s nominee for the upcoming presidential election.

He was formally proposed by Cllr Niall 'Botty' O'Callaghan this morning.

The Dublin businessman founded the pharmaceutical company Nutriband; he has recently stepped away from his role as CEO of the company.

Last week, presidential hopefuls were given an opportunity to address Kerry County Council in a bid to secure a nomination for the presidential campaign.

Candidates were given five minutes to outline their campaign which was followed by ten minutes of questions from councillors.

The session gave members the opportunity to test candidates on their policies and their reasons for wanting to run in the presidential race.

Councillors described Gareth Sheridan as "impressive" during the process.

Mr Sheridan outlined his values, priorities, and vision for the presidency, and demonstrated his willingness to work hard during the campaign.

Cllr O'Callaghan said that Gareth reached out to him several months ago to discuss his candidacy and made it clear that he was serious about running.

He said: "He made the effort to contact us, to let people know who he was, to set out what he stood for, and to answer the difficult questions we wanted put to him."

Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae said that while he may not cast a vote for Gareth on polling day, he believes it's important to give him an opportunity to be on the ballot.

Cllr Healy-Rae added: "He did everything right, engaged properly, showed respect to councillors and the process, and deserved the chance to go before the people. Nominating someone for President is one of the few real powers left to local authorities, and I believe it is vital that we exercise that power responsibly.”

The presidential hopeful is passionate about housing and the aspiration for people to own a home of their own.

He believes housing "remains the foundation of the social contract" and "solving it would help solve many other challenges cascading across Irish society."

Mr Sheridan said he "would relish the opportunity to champion and espouse the values and vision for an Ireland of this generation and the next".

Individuals need a nomination from a minimum of four local authorities or 20 Oireachtas members to secure a spot on the presidential ballot.

So far Kerry County Council is the first local authority to have cast their vote for Gareth Sheridan.