There’s an enormous hole in the electoral market. Who will fill it?

IF opinion polls are even partially correct, there’ll be serious head scratching amongst political insiders. The phenomenal rise and rise of Sean Gallagher has confounded pundits and political parties. At the close of nominations, a month ago, his ratings tallied at 9% to 12% - fifth place. Nothing emerged that adds to his CV.

His visibility originates from TV reality show Dragons Den, founder of Smart Homes and backroom work for Fianna Fáil. He has not advocated unique creativity for Office of President or adopted any radical policies. So, who are the 40% supporters and why support him?

His ostensible point of difference, other than marginal youth, is that he resonates most with FF. As more background material on his links with the party appear, the greater his popularity rises. His pro-enterprise rhetoric and self-help philosophy echoes sentiments of the soldiers of destiny. On moral and ethical questions, he prevaricates in the middle ground of pragmatism. If it looks, walks, talks and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. Despite this branding by opponents and media, Gallagher has accidentally or deliberately stumbled upon consolidating the FF family.