Gareth Sheridan defends ties to controversial senator and links to Israel in bruising press conference

Pharma company founder, who has a net worth of over €13m, argued his success should not be used against him in the presidential race

Presidential candidate Gareth Sheridan and his wife Heidi at the official launch of his campaign at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on Thursday.

Presidential election hopeful Gareth Sheridan was forced to defend a $25,000 fine, ties to senator Sharon Keogan, and links to an Israeli hospital in a bruising first press conference since announcing his bid.

The 35-year-old founder of pharma company Nutriband, who has a net worth of over €13m, argued his success should not be used against him in the presidential race.