GAVIN DUFFY AMONGST EARLY PARK CONTENDERS
EXPECTED TO SEEK NOMINATION AS A CANDIDATE
SOURCES close to local entrepreneur Gavin Duffy say it is his intention to seek nomination to become the next President of Ireland.
Speaking to the Drogheda Independent, the media trainer still refused to officially confirm or deny that he may follow in the footsteps of his fellow Dragon Sean Gallagher and make a bid for the presidency.
However, he is said to be talking to local authorities, particularly in the North East to see if his nomination can be secured.
It is also expected he will have an office in Drogheda should his candidacy get the green light.
Born in Drogheda into a wellknown local family, Gavin (58) lives in Bellewstown with his wife Orlaith Carmody. Publicly known for his work with entrepreneurs on of RTE’s Dragons’ Den, he founded regional radio station LMFM. His brother Eamon used to run the Weavers and brother Padraig is a solicitor in Drogheda.
He would need to secure the backing of four local councils, and majority votes of each for his dream to be realised. Written requests would need to come before each council before September.
A presidential election in October was guaranteed when Sinn Féin confirmed over the weekend they will field a candidate.
It will be the only major party in the race after Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour said they would be supporting President Michael D. Higgins’ bid for a second term.
However, speculation increased when it came to light that former candidate in the 2011 election Sean Gallagher could be campaigning for his Dragon’s Den colleague, after he sent a letter to local authorities urging them to facilitate independent candidates.
There have been 13 presidential elections, including the first one in 1938, but only seven have been contested. On six occasions, only one candidate has been nominated, thereby depriving citizens of a vote.