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LAST UPDATE | 18 Sep 2018
FORMER DRAGONS’ DEN star Peter Casey is now officially a candidate in the 2018 presidential election after receiving his fourth nomination from a council.
This afternoon, Limerick City and County Council and Tipperary COuncil gave their backing to the Donegal businessman.
The 60-year-old had already received endorsements from Kerry and Clare County Councils.
In Limerick, the ex-CEO of Claddagh Resources received 21 votes, while eight other Limerick councillors voted for journalist Gemma O’Doherty. There were eight abstentions. Casey was nominated by Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Michael Collins and seconded by Fine Gael.
Casey is now one of at least six names on the ballot paper on 26 October when the country votes in its next president.
He’ll be joining the incumbent Michael D Higgins, Sinn Féin’s selected candidate Liadh Ní Riada, Senator Joan Freeman and Casey’s former television colleagues Seán Gallagher and Gavin Duffy.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated by Limerick County Council. We are well on our way to getting on the ballot paper and the campaign can begin,” he said after securing his third nomination.
We were very late getting into this race but we have built up a momentum amongst the people and I look forward to promoting my vision of using the Presidency in a more active way for the good of the country. A special thanks to all the councillors who have nominated me as their candidate, I am humbled and honoured by their support. I will work hard to make sure I justify the confidence that is entrusted in me.
The businessman, who recently stepped down as CEO of Claddagh Resources, is “proposing a more purposeful Presidency” according to his statement.
Under the campaign banner, Small Country; Big Nation, Casey plans to leverage the economic and social resource represented by Ireland’s extensive diaspora.
“As someone who grew up in Derry, walked as a young man on the Bloody Sunday March, I have been a tireless promoter of Ireland all around the globe,” he said.
“I was on the Good Friday delegation in Washington and, after a successful career in business, I have put forward a vision of an active Presidency that will channel the power of the 75 million Irish abroad to work with this country to progress our ideas. Engaging properly with Irish communities and galvanising the 75 million people worldwide who identify themselves as Irish would be my immediate priority. I am a man of action. I understand how to get things done, and, now more than ever, Ireland needs people who get things done, rather than talk endlessly.”
He said believes the role of President can bring about much-needed social and economic change, at a practical level, rather than being purely symbolic.
Nominations must be submitted by 26 September – Wednesday of next week – and the election will be held on 26 October. A number of councils are still yet to vote on who they will nominate (or if they will endorse anyone).
Michael D Higgins
Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships earlier today, Higgins said he was “looking forward to” the campaign.
However, he refused to be drawn on whether he would take part in any debates with other potential candidates before polling day.
“All of that has to be settled of course,” Higgins said when asked by TheJournal.ie.
“You know very very well, I have never ever pulled back from most things. But it is all to be negotiated. My campaign team will be discussing [it with] people.”
With additional reporting from Daragh Brophy
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Rumours abound Caseys candidacy is more about keeping Gemma O’Doherty out of the running for Gallaghers sake, than any aspirations he has on the aras.
Nothing would surprise me given the sham so far.
@Larkin About: “rumours” ffs.
@Larkin About: Correct. Gallagher gets nominated, two other dragons step in to fill the remaining council selections. Gemma also had to deal with FF usual underhandedness
I recommend everyone watch her interview this morining…..
@Larkin About: Well it would certainly explain why 3 personalities from the same bloody TV show are in the race
@Larkin About: Why didn’t SF TD’s and Senators nominate Gemma instead of going for an insider. They had a golden opportunity to show they were different from FF/FG by putting the country first and nominating an anti corruption candidate. Instead they appoint one of their own. Vote SF, get Fianna Fail Lite
@Pádraig Debhál: SF councillors nominated Gemma. She was the only candidate on the ballot in one constituency and FF blocked it. In another, she was the only candidate and FF added Casey at the last minute and voted for him.
FF are intentionally scuppering her.
@The Risen: In Kerry yesterday only 3 of the 6 SF councillors voted for Gemma. 9 of the 10 FG councillors abstained so if all SF / independents had voted for Gemma then she would have won it 15 votes to 9, instead she lost it 3 votes to 14.
@We Love Katamari: Thanks for that. shameful of FF/FG.
@Shane Corry: Very insightful figures Shane. Everyone knew that FF or FG were not going to vote for Gemma so I can’t understand the hullabaloo about them. The elephant in the room is that SF, Independents, Solidarity/PBP. SD’s, or the GP won’t vote for her either.
@Michael Allen: I think people dread Sinn Féin all right but for entirely different reasons.
From Gemma O’Dohertys Facebook page…..
“Believing I had strong support in Kilkenny, I travelled to their Chamber meeting this afternoon to attend the vote.
I was the only candidate to be nominated, thanks to Independents and Sinn Fein. However, Fianna Fail saw fit to stop my nomination by voting against me. This means that Kilkenny Council will put nobody forward for the presidential election.”
Shes being intentionally blocked
@The Risen: Sean Gallagher is Fianna Fails man in this race, make no mistake. They are manipulating it so that he is unchallenged, but can’t open their mouths due to the fact that associating with them ruined his chances last time out.
@The Risen: Could it be that these FF Councillors just didnt feel she was worthy of the nomination? No conspiracy from above, these individuals felt she didnt merit a nomination so voted with their conscience? Not a dig just asking if you prove their is an agenda against GOD or if she is potentially just not cut out for the role hence not receiving the nominations?
@The Risen: Asking for a nomination doesn’t mean you’ll get one. Nobody is obliged to vote for her. Not everyone believes that Gemma is presidential material. “Believing” she has strong support didn’t translate to fact.
Fianna fail are using the dirtiest politics possible against Gemma O’Doherty, the whole selection process needs reform. We are getting candidates that councillors want, not the public.
@The Risen: Perhaps there’s no conspiracy. Perhaps, people simply think that’s she’s not a good candidate? I certainly commend Gemma for any work that is done to uncover corruption, but I don’t want her as my president.
@Caped Crusader: fianna fail with a conscience?? You give FF way to much credit way to much
@Unconvertible Rebel: unchallenged?! Forgetting about Michael D are we?
@We Love Katamari: Totally agree with you re: reform of process. Its difficult to say exactly how it should be ran though, what would your thoughts be on reforming, how would a person be nominated?
@The Risen: In the Kerry council vote yesterday, Gemma lost 3 votes to 14 for Peter Casey. The makeup of that council was: 10 FG, 9 FF, 9 independent / non-party & 6 SF.
9 of the 10 FG councillors abstained so if she had of gotten all the SF / independents on side she would have gotten the nomination. Instead all of FF voted for Peter Casey, their own candidate and 4 independents did also, 4 councillors voted for another candidate (a protest against child abuse) and 3 SF councillors voted for Gemma.
So there’s no blocking in the majority of council votes, that one an example out of many, she just is not getting the votes, even from SF / independents.
@Only here for the comments: “Perhaps, people simply think that’s she’s not a good candidate?”
Then don’t vote for her. Voting to block her being the nominee is completely undemocratic.
@We Love Katamari: Exactly.
@The Risen:
FG/FF are terrified at the thoughts of her making it a far as TV debates. She knows too much. That’s why all the panic blocking is going on now at this early level. Even though Michael D is a no brainer already.
@We Love Katamari: Bit late to start having issues with the nomination process now, isn’t it?
@Only here for the comments:i’ve always had problems with the selection process, but its the only one in place
@Only here for the comments: It’s never too late to have a problem with a flawed process. O’Doherty is certainly shining light on the grubbiness of it all.
@Tweed Cap: They’re all running scared of her. Sure isn’t she backed by the 1%.
Oh wait, is that a different 1%?
@Unconvertible Rebel: This is politics at its best or worst. Nothing new here. All underhanded stuff. We the public will never know what really goes on behind the scenes.
Love all the gemma supporters “shes being blocked” “were being denied democracy” while she polls at 1% in a poll where the margin of error is 3%
@Ian McNally: The fact that Mary Wilson on Drive time made allegations concerning the writings of Gemma O Dorothy , Yet refused her the right of reply. Funny all the people who threatened to sue Gemma O Dorothy over the years, have yet to sue ? Why.
There is one thing I know. That is if you’re a so called TV celebrity there is not a chance that you’ll will be getting any preference from me.
I reguard the presidency as an honour that should only be bestowed on someone that has at the least dedicated a portion of their lives to the betterment of our little country and its people.
Being a Z list RTE, virgin/TV3 host or show judge dose not cut it. No matter how rich you are.
Michael D all the way.
While all these nominees strategise and plan, all Michael D does is laugh.
@Peter Cavey: Not the biggest fan of Michael D but he’s the best option of those nominated / contending by a long shot. Saves us another pension to pay too.
More dragons than an episode of Game of Thrones!
‘Dragons Den’. The breeding ground for Presidential candidates with egos as big are your Áras.
It’s turning into a circus , do any of these people have a public service record ?
He’s a ringer for the mayor in Jaws, if he gets the job he’ll be like “those beaches will be open”
@BarronVonVaderHam: https://goo.gl/images/e7NTrp
Michael D is light years ahead of the other candidates plus his proven contribution to Irish life down the years
Ah come on! A big dragons den conspiracy to keep the mighty Gemma O’Doherty down?!There are some plums on the Journal. The dragon boys just want to raise their business profiles and O’Doherty wants to spout her tinfoil hat theories from a louder platform. Let her rattle away on her blog about the gardai’s involvement in 9/11 etc. where she belongs and let the wee man continue to do a top notch job in a ceremonial position. Give it a rest.
Whoever you vote for don’t choose the FF bagman.
All the councils selecting rich business men. Definitely no corruption here.
Another Dragon businessman. The role of President is a cultural and symbolic one. Not about how much a sheisty business person you are.
Good, we need more options. Mickey D gombeen politician. Duffy looks too much like Bertie. Gallagher’s FF connections. That leaves ni riada freeman, and hopefully casey as the only options.
Any actual politicians up for this political role?
It’s like hiring for a plumbing job and all the potential candidates being carpenters by trade.
A circus.
A complete joke.
Seriously, just listening to Peter Casey on drive time…the man is all over the shop. Absolutely won’t be voting for him. He hasn’t a hope
Somebody is having a laugh. Councillors will pay the price at local elections
Such waste of money and time.. its an ego race
The Dragons have started their own “Me Too” movement!
F.Y.I., lads; Gemma O’Doherty received three votes.
@Alan Morrissey: I was at today’s presentations. She received a vote from the councillor who proposed her, the councillor who seconded her, and one other member. The press release sent out was incorrect.
Fair play to kilkenny county council
Mickey D has the hearts of the young ones, and we know what way the young ones votes. The wee angels
The circus continues…..
Casey has had input into the country. He is a very likeable person. Not a bag man for anyone or a smug egotist like Duffy. Let’s here what he has to say.
@Ciaran Daly: Does he still back Irexit?
Well over 20% of the votes will go to the Sinn Féin candidate so it’s a fight between the others but it’s down to how much support O’Higgins will get and rumour has it that he has lost all the defence force votes so that’s another 8000 votes to Sinn Fein who are the only party which will drag all their supporters out to vote so will Sinn Fein finally get the big house ,it’s looking good for them as of now
@Brian O’Byrne: I take it that’s a joke because if you really believe it your beyond help.
Another time waster…….
GOODMAN PETER FAIR PLAY TO YOU………………people will you not let him enjoy this moment, look he is never going to win the race sure his shoelaces are open……..GOODMAN PETER YOUR FLYING ALONG.
I just want to let ye know that i dont care..
Fair play to kilkenny county council
O Dear, just listened to this latest wannabe being interviewed on drive time, it was a shockingly bad, woeful and dreadful pitch. It seems he’s main interest is getting the disphoria to send their kids to the Gaeltacht, a week in Derry and a week in Dublin , all in the cause of learning about culture and Irish history. Mr Casey may misunderstand the reason for disphoria, they F@#Ked off for a better life. He had nothing else to offer, say, Dear god, when is this nonsense going end
@Joseph Dempsey: Diaspora?
P1$$ing contest by a load of egoists now
He doesn’t even live in this country,ffs!!! GGGRRRRRRRR!!
Is this mimicking Trump, seriously???
If the dragon gets in, it will no longer b an Aras it will become a den with fire spewing
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