Duffy, Freeman go head to head for Áras nomination

■ Higgins risks controversy with call for ban on gambling adverts

SENATOR Joan Freeman is favoured to win the backing of councillors in Waterford when the local authority meets tomorrow to consider nominating a presidential candidate.

Ms Freeman, the founder of the suicide and self-harm charity Pieta House, will go head to head with businessman Gavin Duffy during an hour-long special meeting.

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins sought to mark his territory with a rare interview on ‘RTÉ Sunday Sport’, in which he called for a ban on gambling advertisement at sporting events.

Mr Higgins’s apparent push for legislation in the area immediately raised questions as to whether he had strayed outside his constitutional remit.

Unprompted, he described himself as “very concerned about gambling”.

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t have advertising of any access to gambling platforms in sport at all. I really worry when I read the cases,” he said.

The President referenced a recent visit he made to Hop House Addiction Treatment Centre in Co Mayo.

This was on July 10, the same day that he officially confirmed that he wanted a second term.

“I think in a way we should protect our sports by keeping them free from this kind of stuff,” Mr Higgins said.

He added that education alone was not enough.

“As well as that, we do need – and it’s not for me as President (to do something) as I’m no influence, except to say what I think – is that the integrity of sport means having care for everyone who participates.

“Having care for everyone who participates means not exposing them, when in fact they are vulnerable. How you deal with vulnerabilities is by preparing for them, of course.”

‘Dragons’ Den’ investor Duffy has now confirmed that he wants to be a challenger in October’s election. He told the ‘Sunday Independent’ of his plans to run “a modern” campaign as “an alternative to the political establishment”.

The first step on the road to winning support from four local authorities will take place in Waterford tomorrow, where he will address councillors.

Independent councillor Joe Kelly, who tabled an emergency motion seeking a meeting to hear from prospective candidates, told the Irish Independent that larger parties should not be able to “block off routes”.

“People say, ‘President Higgins is miles ahead in the polls, why would we even waste our time having an election?’ Well, the president was never picked by the bookmakers,” he said.

Just 17 of Waterford’s 32 councillors are likely to influence the outcome as Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and the Labour Party are expected to abstain from a vote when it takes place in September.

Sources say Ms Freeman is “probably ahead” among the nine Fianna Fáil and eight Independent councillors but that it is “impossible to call at this stage”.

Asked about his intentions, Cllr Kelly, the chairman of the metropolitan district, said he wanted to hear both speakers before deciding.

“Where I do think she’d have the advantage is that she’s known through Pieta House. There’s a strong Pieta House base in Waterford,” he said.

However, he added: “Her finger is on the pulse of social life, whereas Gavin Duffy has it on the economic and business side. They command different areas on the electoral spectrum.”