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LAST UPDATE | 3 Sep 2018
SÉAN GALLAGHER SPOKE at length today about that infamous moment in 2011 when he was confronted with claims contained in a false tweet during a live TV debate.
The businessman, who finished second in the Áras race seven years ago, declared his intention to seek a presidential nomination via the council route last Wednesday.
In his first public appearance on the campaign trail today he addressed Leitrim County Council’s monthly meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon and answered questions from local and national media outlets.
In his address to councillors, after outlining his priorities in the areas of disability and support for the Irish Defence Forces, he spent a large portion of his allotted time speaking about the 2011 Frontline debate and his own response to the controversy – which came to be known as ‘Tweetgate’.
“What happened in that studio on that night changed the outcome of the presidential election,” Gallagher said today.
Leitrim County Council had been one of the four local authorities to nominate him seven years ago, he noted, going on to tell the chamber:
“On that evening I let myself down and I let you the members of this council down and for that I am truly sorry.”
Claims that Gallagher had once collected a cheque for €5,000 for a Fianna Fáil fundraiser derailed the Dragon’s Den star’s campaign during the TV debate – which was the last set-piece media event of that campaign
He initially dismissed them when they were raised in the programme by Martin McGuinness.
Later, host Pat Kenny raised the issue again saying that a tweet had been issued from an account apparently linked to the Sinn Féin candidate, claiming that the man Gallagher picked the cheque up from would be at a press conference the following day.
Gallagher stumbled in his response to the tweet, saying he had “no recollection” of the events described. His reply was met with hoots of derision from the studio audience.
The businessman later launched a legal action – and last December the national broadcaster apologised to him and agreed to pay out “substantial damages” over the incident.
As part of the settlement an apology from RTÉ was read out in court, in which the broadcaster accepted it should have verified the origin of the tweet which was read to the candidate on air.
Speaking today, Gallagher said that the claims relating to the fundraising cash had been put to him by a journalist the previous week. The candidate explained at the time that they were not correct and the paper had decided not to run the story, he said.
When the tweet was read out on air and he was confronted again with the claims it “caused me to doubt my memory momentarily,” he said.
He said he was aware that to many people he appeared unconvincing in his response and that as a result many people in that moment changed their vote.
“I wish to say sorry to those who changed their vote because they lost confidence in me during that interaction.
Many people saw me as something I am not and that pains me.
He said that, on behalf of anyone seeking public office, he had felt compelled to hold RTÉ to account for what had happened. He added that he fully accepted his own failings in the incident.
Gallagher was one of four presidential hopefuls to address the council in Carrick-on-Shannon today, alongside fellow former Dragon Peter Casey, burlesque performer Sarah Louise Mulligan and former airline worker Patrick Feeney.
Each of the prospective candidates were allotted ten minutes to speak – however Gallagher went substantially over that, asking the chairman for more time so he could finish his prepared remarks about the Frontline incident and his response to it.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said it was important for him to put the controversy behind him and to concentrate on the current campaign.
Asked directly whether he reckoned he would have been elected president had the infamous tweet not been read out, he responded:
I have to leave that to history and the analysts but I’ve stated my case very clearly here and RTÉ have their own answers to put forward.
He said he had no resentment towards anybody over what had happened “but when I see injustice I want to address that injustice and move on and today I feel that I have done that – I have moved on”.
Asked what he had to offer to voters this time around, he said his candidacy was not a criticism of Michael D Higgins, and that he was seeking to put forward a vision for the next seven years.
The incumbent president, he added, had “done Ireland proud” during his time in office.
Gallagher issued several tweets on the issue of the presidency over the summer, but hasn’t taken part in any media interviews since announcing his candidacy in the middle of last week.
Speaking today, he said he would be taking part in a full array of media events during the campaign proper. In addition to seeking nominations from local authorities, he said he was currently focused on transitioning his business interests over to a management team and on his role as a father to two young children.
Asked directly if he was happy to take part in RTÉ TV debates this time around he said:
“I’m sure that’s something that will unfold as the media outlets decide what debates will take place and the format of those debates and the timings – that will all unfold in time.”
Peter Casey, who has stated his views in a number of media interviews since confirming his own Áras ambitions last week, reiterated his plan to donate his presidential salary to different charities each month.
He also called for a constitutional amendment to limit the president’s term in office to five years.
Elsewhere today Gavin Duffy, the third former Dragon’s Den personality in the race, secured the first council nomination of the contest with the backing of 17 councillors in Meath.
Gallagher will next address Wexford County Council and Roscommon County Council on Monday.
Three motions in support of the businessman – from a Fianna Fáil councillor, a Fine Gael councillor and an independent – have been accepted by Leitrim council this afternoon. A vote will be held next Monday.
A candidate needs the backing of four councils or 20 Oireachtas members (TDs or senators) to get on the ballot paper.
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Translation: I let my mask slip, it won’t happen again this time
@Hellenize Dublin: Meet the new mask, same as the old mask
@andrew: The new one seems to have whiter teeth.
@Hellenize Dublin: was there an envelope
@Derek Walsh Ⓥ: and, incredibly, an even thicker neck lol cant beleive that, in view of his record, any council would back him. are no ethical crtieria applied
@Derek Walsh Ⓥ: the new knashers are quite something alright
@Hellenize Dublin: the mask is dead, long live the mask
@Joan Ryan: he is stunning looking now
You let yourself down when you carried envelopes for Fianna Fáil . I don’t trust you Gallagher. I didn’t by believe a word you say
@Jimmy jones: was there an envelope. There might have been an envelope
@John Longmore: what is the history of this? Is there an insinuation that these were legitimate fund raisers, or were they bribes for services or blackmail? Was there a crime committed, or was it a tax issue. Genuinely curious, as the previous issue with envelopes was usually around planning corruption to Fianna fail councillors and tds.
@Gulliver Foyle: Ask Seán , all good questions . For anyone else to answer your question would be a bit risky. Sean needs full disclosure and transparency around the envelope issue
@Gulliver Foyle: he said live on a tv debate “there might have been an envelope” after that i just turned the tv off and went to bed to be honest so I’m not sure whats its all about.
@Gulliver Foyle:
Seems the insinuation is that he recieved a cheque from ‘dodgy’ character. Whether that cheque was for Mr gallagher personally or FF I am unclear.
Anyway, according to this article the cheque was for legitimately for FF party funding but that Mr gallagher had nothing to do with if
@Tim Pot:
Disregard above post.
Seems the insinuation is that he recieved a cheque from a ‘dodgy’ character. Whether the insinuation is that the cheque was for Mr gallagher personally, or FF I am unclear.
Anyway, according to this article the cheque was legitimately for FF party funding but that Mr gallagher denies he had anything to do with it. However, the ‘dodgy’ character says he does.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/gallagher-repeats-cheque-denial-1.885959?mode=amp
@Tim Pot: yeah but that turned out to be a complete lie and RTÉ had to settle with him.
Yes he worked with FF and probably collected donations on their behalf so you could forgive him for admitting it on RTÉ when he was quizzed about it. He denied it, RTÉ claimed that a press conference was forthcoming so he said if that was the case maybe it was true but that he wasn’t sure of it. And he was proven right after it. So I don’t get why he’s getting a hard time now (not defending but I’m genuinely curious as to why)
@Jay Coleman: the press conference has nothing to do with it . Neither has a fake tweet. What McGuinness wanted to know was did Sean visit a house and collect money from a man . After much denials Gallagher admitted it . So in my opinion Gallagher is a liar either way you look at it . If he received the envelope he is a liar, if he didn’t receive the envelope he is a liar . It is easy to remember the truth
@Gulliver Foyle: That is why they don’t want gemma there. she will ask harder questions than the presenters in the TV debates.
@Jimmy jones: but he didn’t collect it. This was proven afterwards. What do you not understand from “he sued RTÉ afterwards for letting false information onto the show “ and he got a substantial payout from them.
The tweet was a verified fake account and a lie. This is proven.
Ask any fund raiser for any party or club. You don’t just hand over a wad of cash in a bag. You put it into a nice envelope or a cheque in an envelope.
From what I’ve read of him he seems to be a decent guy , helped a lot of people through his charity work and obviously employed people though his business.I don’t give a crap what SF or their supporters say as they’re born liars anyway and as delusional as trump supporters.I’m pretty sure SF have gotten a few brown envelopes or the contents of a Securicor van
@Jimmy jones: but he didn’t collect it. This was proven afterwards. What do you not understand from “he sued RTÉ afterwards for letting false information onto the show “ and he got a substantial payout from them.
The tweet was a verified fake account and a lie. This is proven.
Ask any fund raiser for any party or club. You don’t just hand over a wad of cash in a bag. You put it into a nice envelope or a cheque in an envelope.
From what I’ve read of him he seems to be a decent guy , helped a lot of people through his charity work and obviously employed people though his business.I don’t give a crap what SF or their supporters say as they’re born liars anyway and as delusional as trump supporters.I’m pretty sure SF have gotten a few brown envelopes or the contents of a Securicor vanilla
@Jay Coleman: he said he collected an envelope from a man , was he lying about that ?
@Jimmy jones: Jesus Christ..how dumb can you get? In your case pretty frakkin dumb
Roughly translated ” On that evening I let myself and FF down by telling the truth.
its getting blatant now the media ignoring gemma o doherty.
@We Love Katamari: except the very negative article in the journal this morning
@We Love Katamari: the same Gemma who said the state had a hand murdering Veronica Guerin. Conspiracy whack job
@We Love Katamari: And Kevin Sharkey.
@We Love Katamari: The fact she is being blanked out means she gets my vote, its a disgrace…
@MickNev: wow not seen a much worse reason for voting for a candidate?
@MickNev: she’s a legitimately dangerous option for president, she’s right to not get airtime
@ed w: Not ideal I agree, but I certainly wont be voting for a media darling or joining the masses voting for someone just because they have been seen most on TV etc…Like how it normally is…. Michael D certainly wont get it as his kids use the big house as a party pad and order staff to serve their friends at weekends(from someone who works in the house that said the staff have never been treated as bad) outside of him you have the business men who are serving there own interests which the media will try and force feed the public as best candidates … So its Kevin or Gemma for me and I like how Gemma fears little, media blanking her seals it…
@MickNev: “I’m not voting for someone because of their kids…” Wow. His “kids”, btw, are a bit old to be partying in their parents’ house every weekend, but yay for hearsay?
@MickNev: I don’t get this support for o’doherty. She had done some good work in highlighting corruption and questioning commission and incompetence in relation to missing people, but there hasn’t been anything political or for the public. Her opinions on vaccinations is a real negative, but I haven’t seen much positive (apart from being seen as “anti establishment”, which is hard for a former independent journalist)
@Samhain Repealed Rae-Nua: Yes they are and they should be a bit more responsible than bringing hoards of friends back at all hours and using staff as personal servants… They shouldn’t be there in the 1st place but they are privileged and the staff are servants so that’s how it goes above….
@Samhain Repealed Rae-Nua: Also not sure where I said “I’m not voting for someone because of their kids…” but heyho make up what you want to believe if that makes you feel better… It the main man watching it and letting them run down the staff as it is a normal thing thats more why I wont vote for him, tells you all you need to know about the type of people they are but im sure you can twist it again…
Id believe the people who(I know) are there rather than a media outlet with interests
@MickNev: “and I like how Gemma fears little, media blanking her seals it…”
Except vaccinations. She fears those. She is a loon.
So in the 7 years since, he had a chance to build a public-service profile; nothing, he had a chance to clarify his situation re the last election – he did nothing, he had the opportunity to earn the people’s trust – and again nothing.
He also had 7 years to learn what the office of President is about, and judging by his comments so far – nope, failed on that one too.
Sponsored by colgate.
@P-O-B:
More like doggy dentures..
God loves a tryer. Hasn’t learned his lesson & back for more. Have never seen such interest in a presidential election in my life, do they know something we don’t? Or are they trying to flood the ticket & dilute the vote in order to keep someone out? It’s a mystery worthy of Scooby Doo.
Are the Journal having a love in with Sean Gallagher second article in 5 hours today.
He didn’t miss speak he was guided into speaking the truth. That he was a Brown Envelope bag man for the Ff’ers
He’s skum
So if Seán has thought for at least the last seven years that he’s presidential material, you’d kinda expect him to have been involved in some activities along those lines at some points over those last seven years… some work for voluntary or human rights organisations; a statement or two on crises such as health or housing; taking a side on a referendum or two…
Can’t recall anything, though…
Odd, that.
the thing is, its lying that requires avoiding the real memory slips. Telling the truth just doesnt come that hard.
On mature recollection etc
It’s a bit like going back to your old girlfriend that you cheated on 7 years ago, saying sorry and asking her to get back together again. Someone needs to tell you she’s moved on and is married with kids now.
@Martello Mulligan: why would a guy want to get back with a woman he was with 7 years ago. Wouldn’t a younger model make more sense
@John Longmore: maybe the younger model is a Meatloaf fan who would do anything for love BUT I WON’T DO THAT – if ya know what i mean…
@Martello Mulligan: get rid of straight away,
I’d be straight onto the sugar daddy website. Time waits for no man. Enjoy this life, there’s a lot to enjoy out there.
I told the truth and let myself down. New take the qualities required of a Pres according to the man himself.
Only in Ireland, the sheer nerve of this brown envelope enthusiast, nothing but a fianna fail crooked and corrupt chancer. A vote fior Gallagher is a vote of approval for all that is rotten in Irish politics.
Go away far far away.
Nope
Hang on a sec, this tweet was a vile lie which should have never made it past the censor. It turned out to be from a SF supporter. So why’s he getting flak now.
@Jay Coleman: he did collect brown envelopes for fianna fail, there is no changing that fact.
@Jay Coleman: because he was a liar, the public judged him unworthy of the Aras as a result. Only himself to blame.
@Jay Coleman: Be honest . That is a separate issue . Why are you linking the two ‘? Gallagher admitted that he had collected an envelope from a mans house. That is the fact here. Whether an earlier tweet came from Sinn Fein or from a 14 year old prankster is irrelevant
Just because you bought new teeth it doesn’t mean your a different person.
Why do these Reality Show guys want to be President? They know it’s basically a Ceremonial Role. If they’re so interested in doing their “civic duty” why did none of them run for a Dail Seat in the GE? Maybe it all just comes down to ego, but I just can’t figure it out.
He is the new Dana Rosemary Scanlon
Who are these people, I never heard of most of them bar for the few on that dragons programme on tv & none of them would inspire me to vote for them. Have any of them done anything for society or served in office & put time into this country. IMO they wouldn’t put a patch on our current president.
Helping marginalized communities? Did nobody tell him the president doesn’t actually have any power?
@Bhiniáimin Ó Beith: Well last time it was all about job creation . Not sure he is aware of what the role entails . I always though it was a cynical platform given the high rate of unemployment in 2011 versus what the office can do .Comes across as populist nonsense .
Are we sure it was a brown one Can’t remember
The egg with teeth should carry a fire blanket with him at all times…..his pants are constantly going on fire….
A certain politician’s child was the sub editor who let the unverified tweet through.
@Ronan McKeon: if that is true then why so you shield their names with anonymity?
He is the image of the bloke who carried krang around in teenage mutant hero turtles.
I hear a thousand tiny violins, and no pushing the envelope jokes please
Has he said why he is running?
Its like he vanished into thin air last 7 years.
Can you buy the presidency? Should the job not be held by someone who has contributed something to the life of the state, not to some egoist who actually wants the job for his own reasons?
You could never cover that head with hair.
Bagman..Thank you Martin for keeping that wolf from the door , your gone Martin (rip) & the lonesome money hungry wolf approaches .
As we are reminded RTE is a semi-state body As it belongs to WE THE PEOPLE ! we are entitled to know exactly how much The was forked out to Sean in settlement.. Transparency it’s going to come up ..Lets go folks start asking ?? The guy is a bad liar apology for been not able to B.S.way out of running around after Bertie’s Bandwagon
I dont want any business man as our pointless President
Are we sure it was a brown one Can’t remember
Narcissist, self-publicist wants to be President!! Now where have I seen this before?
Best known for brown envelopes and ties to Fianna Fail. Good man yourself.
As I said in a previous tweet the Dragons want to use the Aras as a place of retirement . The president gets 250 euro a year salary plus v good expenses.They are also given a very nice expense portfolio .Im also worried that wealthy businessmen are funding these dragons .Business men/women should not be allowed to back anybody in an election.Begs the question more ominously does any wealthy businessperson pay politicians to take certain stances on key issues in the Dail or Seanad
Gerry Malone
Dundalk
Thom Thum. Ho hum.
He has nothing to apologize for?? He was screwed out of the presidency. Would have been the sure winner in that election so Miggledy Higgins promoters manufactured this lie.
I don’t see any proof being provided here in the comments and I’m shocked to see the amount of unsubstantiated allegations being peddled, once again, at a man who strikes me as a brave, decent and upstanding individual.
I’m not affiliated with any party or organization. I’m just an ordinary voter and I won’t be swayed by the negativity being expressed towards him.
He’s a big oul fat ghoul so he is.
Michael D has a good chance of beating the World record held by Dev
Why is he so eager for a toothless non influencing role – why say what you’re going to do when we all.know there’s no way you’ll be having any impact on policy. You meet foreign dignatories smile and pose for photos the end.
NO thank you Mr. Gallagher I am not buying it. Marginalised people exist everywhere on this great country, not just Leitrim. You interviewed me for a role once, you kept me waiting and during the time continued answering your phone, your a rude man and I believe that you let yourself down this time also. You didn’t give me the job, I am not giving you this job either.
The mass murderer mcguinness accusing Gallagher of taking envelopes , only in Ireland
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