Enter the Dragon: Duffy joins race for Áras
BUSINESSMAN and Dragons’ Den star Gavin Duffy has entered the race for the Áras, by formally announcing he is seeking a nomination to be a presidential election candidate.
Following in the footsteps of former Dragons’ Den star Seán Gallagher, who narrowly missed out in the 2011 election, the entrepreneur yesterday confirmed speculation he wants to be our Head of State.
The 58-year-old, who witnessed an epic hurling semi-final between Limerick and Cork in Croke Park yesterday, wrote on Twitter: ‘Just to let you know after some speculation I confirm that I am seeking a nomination from four local authorities to contest the Presidential Election. I have accepted an invitation to speak to Waterford Council this Tuesday at 4pm.
‘If I get the required four council nominations, I will run the most modern, dynamic, interactive election campaign possible.’
In order to get his name onto the ballot paper, Mr Duffy will need the backing of four local councils or 20 TDs or senators.
And calling for supporters to rally behind him on a potential campaign, the Louth native added: If you want to be on the rollercoaster, make history, elect a President that is not just above but is not of politics email info@gavinduffy.ie.’
He will be running against President Michael D Higgins and a Sinn Féin candidate to be announced in September, six weeks before Ireland goes to the polls.
While Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour have all backed the current President, a number of others have expressed an interest in running for the Áras. They include independent senators Pádraig Ó Céidigh and Joan Freeman, and artist and TV personality Kevin Sharkey.
Ms Freeman, who founded Pieta House, wrote to a number of local authorities in recent weeks to canvass them for their support.
In a letter recently distributed, Ms Freeman asked them to ‘convene a meeting of your councillors so that I can ask for their support for my candidacy’.
Another independent senator, Gerard Craughwell, previously indicated his interest, saying that an election should take place, but he withdrew from the campaign last week.
Another possible candidate was former GAA president Liam O’Neill but he also ruled himself out, saying he did not have the logistical group to support a campaign.
Ronan O’Reilly – Page 12