Presidential hopeful 'in no way offended' after being described as coloured by Carlow councillor

Presidential hopeful and Donegal artist Kevin Sharkey says he is "in no way offended" by comments describing him as coloured after his presentation to members of Carlow County Council on Wednesday.

The artist, along with three other potential candidates, was seeking the local authority members nominaton for the presidency and made a fifteen minute pitch to them for their vote. 

During the meeting, Cllr Arthur McDonald said the country had an atheist president, a gay Taoiseach, the country has brought in divorce and brought in abortion, and directing his question to Mr Sharkey, he added: "I just wonder do you think it's time for a coloured president?"

In a tweet on Thursday, Mr Sharkey said: "I am in no way offended by Councillor Arthur McDonald describing me as coloured. He is a lovely man, as were all the Councillors of Carlow that I had the pleasure of addressing yesterday. Thank you Carlow."

I am in no way offended by Councillor Arthur McDonald describing me as coloured. He is a lovely man, as were all the Councillors of Carlow that I had the pleasure of addressing yesterday. Thank you Carlow @Carlow_Co_Co #sharkeyforpresident #votesharkey2018

— Kevin Sharkey for President (@votesharkey2018) August 16, 2018

A presidential election is expected to be held in October if candidates receive the backing of 20 or more Oireachtas members or four or more local authorities.

Formal nominations won't be made until after the presidential election order is made and therefore Council members are not likely to vote on a potential candidate until the September meeting of the local authority.