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The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
A new runner for the Aras: An Irish pharma entrepreneur who's just over the age 35 threshold
A 35-YEAR-OLD BUSINESSMAN is the latest person to declare they are running to be the next Irish president. Gareth Sheridan just passes the minimum age limit to run for the office. At age 35, he's looking to become the youngest ever Irish president. Who is he? The multi-millionaire is the founder and former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, which describes itself as a 'values-based company' that manufactures abuse deterrent transdermal patches aimed specifically at opioid and fentanyl abuse. Former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher is a former president of the firm. Sheridan, also released a book this year called 'From No To NASDAQ' which was launched in Dublin by another presidential candidate Gavin Duffy. I confirm my intention to seek nomination for this October's Presidential Election, aiming to become the youngest-ever candidate for the nation's highest office. Never in our country's history has the choice of a younger candidate been more relevant, more urgent, or more… — Gareth Sheridan (@GPSheridan1) August 10, 2025 Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Sheridan, who has dual Irish and American citizenship, said he specifically wanted to highlight the housing crisis throughout his campaign. He said the country has 'become so divided', stating that there is an 'overwhelming sense of division'. 'There's a feeling of under representation for a whole segment of the population and that's really the people under the age of 40 that are condemned to a life of exorbitant rents or emigration,' he said. Advertisement 'We're all familiar with the housing crisis at the moment, and this is something that I want to highlight and focus and champion over the course of my campaign. But you know, it's important as well to stress that I want to be a voice for a younger generation,' he added. When pointed out to him that the president plays no role in housing policy in Ireland, and that this is a matter controlled by government, he acknowledged that the presidency 'is not an executive role'. 'You're not going to have major decision-making powers there. It is an influential role. I think we can all agree on that,' he said. Sheridan said that he has been in contact with local authorities in a bid to get the required four local authorities to sign off on him running. The only other option for candidates is to get at least 20 members of the Oireachtas to support your candidacy, but with Fine Gael supporting Mairead McGuinness and the majority of the left-wing opposition parties backing TD Catherine Connolly, that route has been narrowed. 'This isn't something that has been decided quickly. This is something I've been working on for over a year now. I've been meeting with councillors and councils and putting the work in,' he said. However, Sheridan criticised the exclusion of local authority nominations amid reports that the local authority route may also be a struggle, with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael holding the majority on councils and will likely only back their own. In the past, with Fianna Fáil not running a candidate, it allowed for more flexibility around non-party affiliated candidates getting a nod from those in Fianna Fáil. However, if Micheál Martin decides the party will field a candidate, the question is will Fianna Fáil councillors still have that flexibility to abstain and allow others to put their name on the ballot paper? One would suspect not. Aside from Sheridan, businessman Peter Casey, who previously ran for the presidency, and who has already said he is interested in running for it again, said over the weekend that he will formally seek nominations from county councils. He told the Irish Independent he has written to Donegal County Council asking for an opportunity to pitch for an endorsement that will help him get on the ballot paper again. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Should road tolls be lifted for the All-Ireland final?
AS THE ALL-IRELAND football final approaches this weekend, Michael Healy-Rae is suggesting that road tolls should be lifted to make it easier for Kerry and Donegal fans heading to Croke Park. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, the Kerry TD proposed removing motorway tolls to reduce both traffic on the roads and the financial burden on supporters, calling it 'the right thing to do'. Advertisement Healy-Rae said that he wouldn't be as passionate about implementing a similar measure for other big events, such as concerts, arguing that they don't draw the same number of people travelling for the All-Ireland final. So, what do you think: Should road tolls be lifted for the All-Ireland final? Poll Results: No (480) Yes (162) It should happen for all big events (100) Unsure (13) Yes No It should happen for all big events Unsure Vote
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Thousands of sunbeds removed from Majorca beaches amid local backlash
As Majorca tackles an anti-tourist backlash, almost 2,000 sun loungers are being removed from some of the island's most popular beaches, including the famous Playa de Palma. The move comes after local residents expressed frustration over overcrowded beaches, struggling to find space for their own towels amidst rows of pay-per-use loungers and umbrellas. Playa de Palma, a six-kilometre-long hotspot, has seen its sun lounger numbers cut significantly, from 6,000 in 2024 down to 4,436 in 2025, with further reductions planned for 2026. Pic:Other beaches like Cala Major and Cala Estància are also seeing sunbed and parasol numbers trimmed, while Cab Pere Antoni city beach is facing a drastic halving of its sun lounger availability. The changes come at a time when tensions between tourists over limited sunbathing spots have already been rising, as videos of holidaymakers vying for prime positions frequently surface on social media. Adding to the mix, there are plans to introduce more expensive 'Premium loungers' on Playa de Palma and Cala Major – but of course, at a cost. This crackdown on beach furniture is part of a wider anti-tourism campaign gaining momentum in Palma, with up to 60 organizations set to stage a large-scale protest in the city this week. Irish holidaymakers heading to Majorca this summer should prepare for fewer sun loungers and a changing beach experience. Elsewhere, Irish holidaymakers heading to Portugal this summer are being warned they could face fines of up to €1,800 for wearing bikinis or swimwear in the streets of Albufeira. The popular Algarve resort has introduced stricter regulations to crack down on rowdy tourist behaviour, particularly during weekends, when the area sees an influx of partygoers. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this week, Air and Travel magazine editor Eoghan Corry said locals have 'had enough' of what they view as disrespectful conduct by visitors. Beachgoers sunbathe and swim at Oura beach in Albufeira, Algarve region, Portugal. Pic: Getty 'What they've done is taken existing regulations, beefed them up a little, and introduced a few new ones. 'The main focus is on drunkenness and absolutely obnoxious behaviour late at night.' Among the rules being more strictly enforced is a ban on wearing bikinis and swimwear away from the beach, with penalties starting at €500 and rising to as much as €1,800.
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Jim Sheridan: 'Not one shred of evidence to say Bailey did it'
Oscar-nominated film director Jim Sheridan has said there is 'not one shred of evidence' to convict Ian Bailey of the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, Oscar nominated Sheridan said he believes Ian Bailey is 'probably innocent' of the murder of the French film-maker, who was bludgeoned to death outside her holiday home in Schull in West Cork in December 1996. Sheridan, probably best known for the Oscar nominated movie My Left Foot, has released a new docudrama entitled Re-Creation, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York recently. Pic: REX/Shutterstock (442642m) SOPHIE TOSCAN DU PLANTIER SOPHIE TOSCAN DU PLANTIER RETROSPECTIVE The drama promises to show new evidence in the unsolved case, which Jim Sheridan described as a 'double injustice' Explaining what he meant, he said 'I feel Sophie's murderer has never been found and her death has never been avenged'. 'A man who probably was 100% innocent has been castigated through life, he lived a horrible life and died a horrible death and has a horrible name. I don't think he killed her and there's not a shred of evidence to say he did.' Jim Sheridan. Pic: JuanIan Bailey was convicted of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, by a court in Paris, and sentenced to 25 years in prison, a conviction Jim Sheridan described as a 'farce' but Ian Bailey did not serve any prison time as the French authorities were unable to extradite him from Ireland to France. When he was asked about how the Toscan du Plantier family may feel about his new Docudrama, Sheridan said 'of course' he knew there was a risk of upsetting Sophie's family but added, 'You can't say because you're upset, that you can ruin another man's life.' He continued that the family of Mr Bailey have also suffered over the years. Ian Bailey 'I'm sure Ian Bailey's sister was upset that there was nobody at his funeral and that he had to die that ignominious way,' he said. 'I'm sure she's upset.' When asked about Mr Bailey's history of violence, Mr Sheridan described it as 'not good' Alain Spilliaert, a lawyer for Ms Toscan du Plantier's family, also spoke to Newstalk Breakfast and said that while he has not seen the film yet, he does have some concerns, He added, 'We feel that it is not relevant to show a fictional movie at this point in the criminal investigation.'
Irish Examiner
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Ian Bailey 'probably was 100% innocent' of Sophie Toscan du Plantier's murder, says film director
Film director Jim Sheridan has said that the late Ian Bailey 'probably was 100% innocent' of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in West Cork. The battered body of the French film producer (aged 39) was found near her holiday home in Toormore on the outskirts of Schull in West Cork on December 23, 2006. Mr Sheridan said he believes the case is a "double injustice". 'I feel Sophie's murderer has never been found, her death has never been avenged. A man who probably was 100% innocent has been castigated through life; he lived a horrible life and died a horrible death and has a horrible name," he told Newstalk Breakfast. 'I don't think he killed her and there's not a shred of evidence to say he did.' Mr Sheridan's new drama Re Creation, about the murder, recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Starring Colm Meaney, Aidan Gilles and Vicky Krieps, it imagines what could have unfolded if the unresolved murder had gone before a jury in Ireland. Ian Bailey, who died in January 2024 at the age of 66, was the self-confessed chief suspect in the case. He was on two occasions detained by Gardaí for questioning in relation to the murder. Ian Bailey (pictured), who died in January 2024 at the age of 66, was the self-confessed chief suspect in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case. File picture: Dan Linehan Mr Bailey was convicted in absentia after a trial in France in 2015. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. However, officials in France were unable to extradite him to Paris to serve the sentence handed down by the courts. Mr Sheridan said that Mr Bailey's conviction in Paris was a 'farce". He said that he 'of course' knew he risked causing upset to the family of Toscan du Plantier with his new drama. 'You can't say because you're upset that you can ruin another man's life,' he said. "There's no evidence.' Mr Sheridan acknowledged that Mr Bailey's history of violence with his former partner Jules Thomas was 'not good". He said that there was no doubt of the suffering experienced by the family of Ms Toscan du Plantier. However, Mr Sheridan stressed that the family of Mr Bailey have also suffered over the years. I'm sure Ian Bailey's sister was upset that there was nobody at his funeral and that he had to die in that ignominious way. I'm sure she's upset. Alain Spilliaert, a lawyer for Ms Toscan du Plantier's family, said he has not seen the film yet but has expressed concerned about its potential content. 'We feel that it is not relevant to show a fictional movie at this point of time of the criminal investigation. This is such a large, sensitive case in Ireland… and it's not finished.'
