Dragon judges to lend a hand

PRESIDENTIAL hopeful Sean Gallagher is trying to get by with a little help from his friends.

Business colleagues of the entrepreneur have agreed to give the Cavan man support and take time out of their hectic schedules for an election fundraiser.

But there’s a bit of a twist.

Stars of the reality television series Dragons’ Den will later this month take part in an event to help the 49-year-old’s campaign.

But punters will have the opportunity to act as dragon slayers themselves for the day, with the tables being turned on the judges.

A number of the programme’s judges have agreed to attend the event, which is being planned for Tuesday week at a hotel in Dublin.

Those attending the dinner are being promised an opportunity to grill the judges on their own ventures and investments.

Tickets for the campaign fundraising event will cost €150 and event promoters are keen to attract business leaders and other entrepreneurs who might want to chance their luck at dissecting the dragons’ own business models.

The event will also include entertainment and a fundraising auction and up to 300 people are expected to attend.

Mr Gallagher could raise several thousand euro for his campaign on the night and has previously said his election bid is being funded by small donations, mainly through his website.

The dragons on the popular television series include entrepreneur Niall O’Farrell; brand expert and investor Gavin Duffy; publishing entrepreneur Norah Casey; and coffee guru Bobby Kerr, as well as Mr Gallagher himself.

A spokeswoman for Mr Gallagher last night confirmed the event was being planned but said it remained unclear how many of the business dragons could attend on the night.