Sheridan Loses Meath Vote; Connolly Gets Sinn Féin Backing

Independent candidate Gareth Sheridan, who holds nominations from Kerry and Tipperary, narrowly lost Meath County Council’s backing by 14 votes to 13 and will seek further local-authority nominations in Offaly and Louth after a paperwork hiccup in Louth. Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin said his party is not blocking Sheridan and that councillors are free to vote, while also expressing surprise at Catherine Connolly’s recent remarks on Hamas. Sinn Féin has formally endorsed independent TD Catherine Connolly as a united-left candidate, calling the move a potential “game-changer.” Maria Steen’s bid in Leitrim was defeated 9-7 amid fractious scenes, with critics pointing to her ties to the conservative Iona Institute. Three candidates — Connolly, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin — have already secured Oireachtas nominations, and the contest remains fluid as hopefuls pursue remaining local-authority backing to reach the ballot.