Laois County Council has given Presidential hopeful Gemma O’Doherty her first nomination.
The investigative journalist was one of three people who made a presentation to the council last week.
Sarah Louise Mulligan and Sean Gallagher made presentations but with Gallagher already receiving the required number of nominations, he instructed Cllrs not to nominate him.
Cllr Ben Brennan nominated Ms O’Doherty last week and a vote was held in the chamber this morning.
Four Cllrs voted for her and 13 abstained while two of the Cllrs were absent.
Cllrs Caroline Dwane Stanley, Ben Brennan, Aidan Mullins and Paschal McEvoy voted for Ms O’Doherty.
Taking to her Facebook page, Gemma said: “I am really grateful to Cllr Ben Brennan for all of the work he has put into this.
“And to Sinn Fein’s Aidan Mullins for his backing.
“Your support on this journey has strengthened my resolve daily. I need it in the next two days more than ever, so please get on the phone/email/Twitter/Facebook and let the politicians know what you want.
“Elections are coming. Local and national. We are in a period of huge transition in Ireland. But that change must be a force for good where we create a country where government is accountable to the people and the people alone.
“We will create an Ireland we can be proud of and one that sends a message to the rest of the world: that the Irish are taking a stand against corruption in all of its guises for once and for all.”
But in order for O’Doherty to get herself on the ticket, she still requires the support of three more Councils.
She has also been nominated by Kildare and Cork Councils who are due to vote on her today.
