LAST UPDATE | 17 Sep 2018

BUSINESSMAN PETER CASEY has secured the nominations of two county councils as he continues his presidential bid.  

The Dragon’s Den personality, who recently stepped down from his role as CEO of Claddagh Resources, needs the backing of two more in order to get on the ballot paper. 

Two other Dragon’s Den investors, Sean Gallagher and Gavin Duffy, have already picked up nominations from four local authorities and are assured a place on the ballot. 

Casey was backed by county councils in Kerry and Clare today. 

He will travel to Limerick City and County Council tomorrow and then to Tipperary in the afternoon.

“I am a truly independent candidate and I can promise everyone here and now that I will put the same amount of energy and commitment into the role of President of Ireland as I have done in every job or business I have worked in,” Casey said in a statement today. 

Several other councils are still yet to vote on who they will nominate. 

Nominations must be submitted by 26 September – Wednesday of next week – and the election will be held on 26 October. 

Sinn Féin yesterday announced that MEP Liadh Ní Riada will contest the election on behalf of the party (candidates who don’t pursue the council route can get on the ballot with the backing of 20 Oireachtas members – TDs or senators). 

Pieta House founder and senator Joan Freeman secured the backing of four councils on Monday last. 

President Michael D Higgins, who is entitled to nominate himself, indicated earlier this summer that he intended to run for re-election. 

An official campaign Twitter account for Higgins issued its first tweet since November 2011 this morning, and a campaign website also went live (although, as yet, there’s not much on it). 

Higgins and other candidates are expected to step up campaigning activities this week at the National Ploughing Championships, taking place in Screggan near Tullamore in Offaly.