Dragons’ Den personality Gavin Duffy becomes fourth official candidate in presidential race

Prospective nominees without any support so far include actress Sarah Louise Mulligan and artist Kevin Sharkey.

Former Dragons' Den entrepreneur and successful businessman Gavin Duffy has confirmed his place on the Irish presidential ballot to run against Michael D Higgins in October's election. He was endorsed by councils in Meath, Carlow, Wicklow and Waterford. Duffy secured the backing of 14 councillors at a meeting of Waterford City and County Council on Friday afternoon. Journalist Gemma O’Doherty was also backed by two councillors and there was one abstention. To get on the presidential ballot paper, a candidate needs the backing of at least four councils or 20 members of the Oireachtas. So far, Pieta House founder Joan Freeman and Sean Gallagher – another Dragon’s Den star, who also ran in 2011 – have also secured their places. Current president Michael D Higgins will also run again, despite claiming during his first campaign that he would only run once. Sinn Féin announced that they also plan to contest the election with a candidate that has not yet been named. They will announce their candidate on Sunday. Party spokesperson David Cullinane has recently rejected claims that the party's plan to nominate a candidate just six weeks prior to the expected election date was in a bid to avoid prolonged media scrutiny of their candidate. The presidential election will be held on Friday 26 October.