Businessman Padraig Ó Céidigh has expressed interested in running as an independent candidate in the presidential election later this year.
Galway-based Mr Ó Céidigh confirmed to The Irish Times he is considering his options and may decide to seek a nomination. He said he has been approached by a number of prominent community and business leaders in recent weeks.
It is believed he was prompted to make public his interest following the decision by Fine Gael to select the Dublin MEP Gay Mitchell as the party’s candidate last weekend.
Mr Ó Céidigh said he would now take soundings from a wider range of people and make contact with politicians. He added that if he chooses to seek a nomination, it will be from local authorities rather than from Oireachtas members.
He said he would make a final decision on whether or not he will stand before the end of this month.
From Spiddal in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Mr Ó Céidigh is best known for his involvement with Aer Arann, which expanded from a small regional airline to a significant player in the Irish aviation industry.
A former winner of the entrepreneur of the year award, Mr Ó Céidigh’s career has not been without controversy – Aer Arann went into examinership last year but has come out of it after new investment was found. He is currently chairman of the airline and is also adjunct professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at NUI, Galway.
“There are a number of reasons behind my interest, all of which are connected,” he said.
“I have a clear vision of the Irish as a people and our unique qualities. There is also the need for someone to reflect our talent in the arts, in culture, in sports, in community life and in business. I have a huge interest and passion for all those areas
“I also have experience of working in business and creating hundreds of jobs and growing a number of businesses. I have also stuck with businesses through very challenging times and got through to the other end,” he said.
If Mr Ó Céidigh decides to run, he will be a late entry into the field. A prospective candidate for the presidential elections requires the backing of at least four local authorities in order to get a formal nomination. Three other prominent independents - Senator David Norris, Mary Davis and Sean Gallagher - have already sought the provisional backing of councils. So far,Mr Gallagher has secured five, Ms Davis two and Mr Norris one.
Of the local authorities who have not yet decided, Mr Ó Céidigh would be considered strongest in the two Galway councils, in Sligo and in Waterford (a base for Aer Arann).