Kevin Sharkey pulls out of Presidential race
Kevin Sharkey has pulled out of the race to become the next President of Ireland.
He announced his decision in a statement this morning, citing the "corruption of councils all over Ireland."
Instead, he says he is now focusing on his new collection of paintings.
Mr Sharkey was one of a number of presidential hopefuls yet to receive the backing of four local authority's - the figure needed to officially become a candidate.
Gavin Duffy, Sean Gallagher, President Michael D Higgins, Joan Freeman and Liadh Ní Riada have so far been confirmed for the ballot paper on 26th of October.
Meanwhile, a request has been put to Louth County Council to hold a second hearing for potential Presidential candidates.
Gavin Duffy has written to the council after its original hearing clashed with a meeting of Roscommon County Council.
He says it's "only fair" for other candidates to be given a hearing in Louth.
Since receiving his fourth endorsement from Waterford Council he has withdrawn from seeking any more.
