35-year-old millionaire launches bid to become youngest Irish President at Tullamore Show

A multi-millionaire pharma CEO has launched a bid to become the youngest-ever Irish President at the Tullamore Show.

Gareth Sheridan (35) has stepped aside from his role as CEO of Nasdaq-listed firm Nutribrand to put his hat in the ring for the Áras later this year.

Making the announcement at the Tullamore Show, Independent candidate Sheridan indicated that he is confident of gaining the support of the four county councils required to get his name on the ballot paper.

He said: “I confirm that I am seeking a nomination to contest this October’s Presidential Election, hoping to be the youngest ever candidate for that office, turning 36 in two weeks.

“I believe there has never been a time in our country’s history where the choice of a younger candidate being on the ballot paper has been more relevant or important than today.

“Over the weekend, as I am obliged to do, I officially informed the US Securities and exchange commission, Nasdaq, our board and our shareholders, that I would be stepping aside as Chief Executive of the Nasdaq listed company I founded, Nutriband, to seek a nomination to be on the ballot paper to contest Ireland’s upcoming Presidential Election.

READ NEXT: Offaly hosting first of two massive national events as Tullamore Show kicks off

“I am joined here today by elected councillors from all around the country, who have already agreed to propose and second my nomination and we are confident we have at least the necessary four local authorities to consider my nomination as stipulated in Article 12.2.2 of the Constitution.

“However, there have been suggestions recently that some political parties may try to block candidates seeking such local authority nominations,” he added.

“I expect the main parties to respect Article 12.2.2. of Bunreacht Na h’Eireann and to allow their duly elected local authority councillors to fulfil their obligation under the Constitution.

“Remember, it is the people of Ireland who elect their President, and not the people of Leinster House. The purpose of Article 12.2.2, as enshrined in our Constitution, is that a candidate from outside the political establishment can seek a nomination – as I am doing.

“In this regard our campaign welcomes the most recent comments from An Taoiseach that the government intends to honour the Constitutional provision and the role of our Councils to nominate Presidential candidates.

“I ask the public not to dismiss my run for the Park as youthful arrogance.

“In the weeks ahead, I will set out my values and vision for the Presidency, values and vision that have won me the active support of so many Councillors across our nation.

“Hoping to be the youngest ever candidate for the Áras, I am fully aware that our younger generations, as regards politics, often feel disinterested, disinherited and disenfranchised because, despite being in gainful employment, they are the first generation in modern Ireland to have little or no hope of owning a home, condemned to a life of exorbitant rents. The lack of affordable homes is something I am going to fight for, highlight and champion during this campaign.

“I honestly believe that it is high time that as a country we started to live up to the worthy aspirations and ambitions of our founding document, The Proclamation.

“An Ireland that finally cherishes all the children of the nation equally – in other words, an Ireland that finally gives everyone a fair chance. Those for whom Ireland is home; those who have made Ireland their home and those who would like to return home; a country that finally embraces and cherishes its diaspora, who are so often forgotten in our elections.

“So, I want to offer voters a real choice in this election, a forward-looking choice, a candidate that is on your side.

“That’s why I confirm here in Tullamore I am seeking a nomination to contest the Presidential Election as its youngest ever candidate,” Sheridan concluded.

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

Source

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today