Businessman Peter Casey is the latest candidate to join the Presidential race.

The 'Dragon's Den' star has secured the backing of a fourth county council - Tipperary.

He secured their backing by 13 votes to 8 on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, Mr Casey won the backing of Limerick City and County Council.

He was proposed by the Fianna Fáil leader on the council, Michael Collins, and seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Michael Sheehan.

Mr Casey also secured support from two local councils - Kerry and Clare - on Monday.

Artist Kevin Sharkey withdrew from his attempt to secure a presidential nomination on Sunday, after failing to receive any support.

There are already five names officially in the race after President Michael D Higgins confirmed he would stand for re-election - and three others received the required number of nominations from local authorities.

Businessman Gavin Duffy secured his fourth nomination on Friday, joining fellow 'Dragon's Den' panellist Sean Gallagher and Senator Joan Freeman on the ballot.

Sinn Féin has also confirmed MEP Liadh Ní Riada as its candidate.