Dragons’ Den star gets presidential bid boost

DRAGONS’ Den star Sean Gallagher’s presidential hopes have received a major boost after Clare and Donegal county councils pledged to back his bid for the Áras.

In votes at the local authorities June meetings last night Mr Gallagher narrowly won the initial support of both organisations.

In Clare, the motion to pledge to nominate the businessman when the election is formally called was passed 16 to 15.

Surprisingly, Labour councillor Paschal Fitzgerald emerged as the kingmaker, with the 11-strong Fianna Fáil group voting en masse along with four independents in favour of the entrepreneur.

The councillors’ voted to back him despite Fine Gael opposition and a legal warning relayed by senior council official Michael McNamara, who said councillors could not pass a resolution formally endorsing a candidate before the presidential campaign is called.

County manager Tom Coughlan warned such a move could open the local authority to High Court proceedings.

Donegal County Council also initially backed Mr Gallagher’s election bid.

He received 13 votes against one for Mary Davis and no votes for Senator David Norris, with 12 absentees.

The entrepreneur has already received the support of Longford County Council.

Any presidential election candidate must receive the support of four administrative councils in order to secure a nomination to contest the election.