The presidential election has started to heat up as some candidates only make the cut hours before the final deadline.
“You’re a generous, decent and good man and I thank you,” said Senator Norris to Mr Higgins as they shook hands in the grand Rotunda hall.
Mr Higgins had asked Labour party councillors at Dublin’s City Hall not to obstruct Senator Norris' entrance into the field in the name of democracy. Senator Norris won the backing of 30 councillors from Dublin City Council.
On October 27th there will be seven candidates: Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell, Labour’s Michael D. Higgins, Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness and independent candidates David Norris, Mary Davis, Sean Gallagher and Dana Rosemary Scallon.
Entrepreneur Mr Sean Gallagher, took some time on Tuesday after formally handing in his Presidential Nomination to answer some questions posed by The Epoch Times with respect to his presidential campaign.
Epoch Times (ET): Why are you running for president?
Sean Gallagher (SG): For many years I have challenged others to be leaders in their own communities and I am stepping forward because I could no longer stand back. I want to do for enterprise and job creation what President Mary McAleese has done for the peace process.
ET: What do you think you bring to the table?
SG: I have a diverse and varied background in farming and agriculture, youth and community work, public service, enterprise and entrepreneurship. I have faced and overcome many challenges in my life from unemployment to a physical disability. I understand the difficulties people face. All my life I have focused on what I could do and put my strengths to work and I want to help to inspire others to do likewise.
ET: What do you think the role entails and will you try to do anything different from previous presidents?
SG: The next president needs to be active and energetic. I want to put my life experience to work for the Irish people and put enterprise and job creation at the heart of the next presidency. I want to highlight and celebrate what works in enterprise and job creation in our communities at home and work with the government and their agencies to participate in foreign trade missions to open new markets, encourage foreign direct investment and attract tourists.
ET: Now that you are nominated, do you think the process for gaining nominations should change, if so why?
SG: The nomination process for independent candidates is difficult which is why, after I secured the four nominations necessary, I requested that outstanding nominations or expressions of support be withdrawn from councils to allow other candidates to enter the race. I think that the process should change to be more inclusive. How it should change is a matter for the government.
ET: How much more difficult is it to get nominated as an Independent and why?
SG: It is more difficult for Independents as they must face up to the political parties within the councils or the Oireachtas and the political parties have the power in many instances to block candidates should they so wish.
ET: Why have you decided to have a no poster campaign?
SG: On my listening tour of the country I have met with councils, community groups and Tidy Towns Committees who have implored me to have a poster free campaign. Their main concern was that the posters on lamp-posts were a source of unsightly litter in their towns and villages. I was keen to reflect their views as part of my campaign.
ET: In your view, how important is the Office of President?
SG: The president has the potential to be the voice and face of Ireland. Not just the Ireland we are now but our ambition for what we want Ireland to be. It is vital that the president can reflect and deal with the issues and challenges faced by the country and provide leadership and hope.
