Those rich Dragons hold no fear for me
Presidential hopefuls clash over senator’s jibes that wealth won’t win votes
A DISPUTE has broken out between two Presidential candidates over negative campaigning.
Dragons’ Den star Seán Gallagher called Senator Joan Freeman yesterday after he learned she had told the Irish Mail on Sunday that the election won’t be won by the candidate who spends the most.
Mrs Freeman was referring to Presidential rivals and Dragons’ Den stars Mr Gallagher, Gavin Duffy and Peter Casey, all wealthy businessmen.
However, while Mr Casey was not available for comment and Mr Duffy chose not to respond, the Dragon with the most campaign experience, Seán Gallagher, called Mrs Freeman directly, after being informed of the comments by this newspaper.
The drama on the campaign trail began when Mrs Freeman told the MoS that she is setting up a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs involved in both seeking a nomination for and competing in the race to the Áras.
She warned the Dragons’ Den businessmen not to assume the public would automatically vote for them just because they have put money into the campaign.
She also claimed to be more in touch with the mood of the general public than them because their money may have isolated them from everyday trials and troubles.
She said: ‘I am very far from being a millionaire. I live in a semidetached with a big mortgage. But what I lack in personal wealth, I will more than make up for with energy, drive and resilience. My work has shown me that Irish people are fair-minded and give everyone a fair hearing, regardless of means. Irish voters won’t be swayed by who spends the most or produces the glossiest brochure. We have too much respect for the Office of President for that.
‘I have no fear of Dragons or others. I have a GoFundMe page and will use my campaign experience, my familiarity with every corner of this country to level the pitch and redress any imbalance in finances and gender that creeps into this race. I’d place my trust in the good judgment and common sense of the people. Irish people hold the Presidency in the very highest regard. They will use their vote judiciously by looking at all the nominated candidates in depth. My story and experience is quite different to that of the Dragons. All of us have been very successful, but in very different ways.
‘I have to say that the rules on balance and fairness are quite clear, though it would be better if there was clearer regulation on political campaigning and advertising on social media.
‘That said, the Standards in Public Office has produced very clear and firm rules on campaign expenditure.’
She said herGoFundMe would be ‘up and running in a few days’.
When the MoS contacted Mr Gallagher’s campaign for a response, spokesman Cathal Lee said: Joan Freeman spoke at length to Seán Gallagher on Saturday and assured him that these comments were specifically not directed towards him and his family. She further assured him that there would be no negative comments from her towards any candidate during the Presidential election.
‘Seán Gallagher has huge respect for Joan Freeman – and her incredible work over many years with Pieta House – and knows of their mutual commitment to exclusively positive campaigning during this election.
‘He is in full agreement with her about the need for clearer regulation on political campaigning and advertising on social media.’
Asked for a response, Freeman campaign spokesman Derek Mooney said: ‘Seán Gallagher phoned Joan twice this week – both conversations were cordial.’
Another source said: ‘There was no conversation about the quotes. The only reference was Mr Gallagher saying, “We know each other a long time, we’re not going to go after each other now.”’
A spokesman for Mr Duffy said: ‘I am not sure he will be drawn into any Q&A. He is currently attempting to get the four council nominations, which is taking up all his time.’
Mr Casey was not available for comment.
‘Voters won’t be swayed by the glossiest brochure’ ‘Seán Gallagher phoned Joan twice this week’