Duffy official for Aras race

FORMER Dragons’ Den judge Gavin Duffy will be on the ballot for the presidential election after getting the backing of his fourth local authority.

The Independent candidate has now gained the support of Waterford City and County Council along with Carlow, Wicklow and Meath.

Mr Duffy said: “On one level I am so relieved to have crossed the line in achieving the nomination. I am also very humbled to get that support, from right across the chamber.”

He will join President Michael D Higgins, Senator Joan Freeman, former Dragon Sean Gallagher and a Sinn Fein candidate in the election. However, a number of councils have yet to vote and may yield more nominees.

The 58-year-old added he will not ask any other council for support after reaching the required amount and will instead request they back a different candidate.

Mr Duffy said: “I have spoken to about 450 councillors around the country and the amount of work, effort and time that you put in – I think it’s a shame it’s a secret to the broader world out there, the amount of work you do.”

He won the endorsement by 14 votes to two, with members from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour all supporting him.

Sinn Fein’s Cllr John Hearne abstained and there were some absentees.

Earlier, members were addressed by former Dragon Peter Casey, as well as journalist Gemma O’doherty, Sarah Louise Mulligan, and Newry-based businessman John O’hare who entered the race on Thursday.

Sinn Fein is set to unveil its candidate for the presidential race tomorrow.