Dragon's Den judge Gallagher confirms presidential ambition

Dragon's Den judge Sean Gallagher has confirmed he will seek an independent nomination to run in the upcoming presidential election.

The 48-year-old entrepreneur is to join Senator David Norris in seeking an independent nomination, a route that requires the support of 20 TDs and senators or four county councils.

According to this morning's papers, Gallagher is being backed by independent senator and business man Sean Quinn.

Gallagher said he was encouraged to run by calls from business, community and disability groups.

Along with Senator Norris, Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness is the only other confirmed candidate in the election to replace Mary McAleese.