Nutriband CEO Gareth Sheridan, 35, enters presidential race

James Cox

A 35-year-old businessman is aiming to become the youngest ever Irish president.

Gareth Sheridan, founder and former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, announced his candidancy on social media on Sunday.

The multi-millionaire is seeking the nomination from local authorities.

Mr Sheridan said he has been speaking to local authorities over the last number of months.

He told Newstalk: "Right now I'm very confident that we have at least the necessary four local authorities to contest the upcoming election.

"We're in a situation now where the country has just become so divided. I think the overwhelming sense of division there is that there's a feeling of under-representation for a whole segment of the population.

"That's really people under the age of 40 who are condemned to a life of exorbitant rents of emigration."

Nutriban is quoted on the Nasdaq exchange in New York with a valuation of some $80 million.

In a statement, Mr Sheridan confirmed he would step down from his role with the company to seek a presidential nomination.

“I confirm that I am seeking a nomination to contest this October’s Presidential Election, hoping to be the youngest ever candidate for that office, turning 36 in two weeks,” his statement said.

“I believe there has never been a time in our country’s history where the choice of a younger candidate being on the ballot paper has been more relevant or important than today.

“There have been suggestions recently that some political parties may try to block candidates seeking such local authority nominations,” Mr Sheridan said in his statement.

“I expect the main parties to respect Article 12.2.2. of Bunreacht na hÉireann and to allow their duly elected local authority councillors to fulfil their obligation under the Constitution.

“Remember, it is the people of Ireland who elect their President, and not the people of Leinster House. The purpose of Article 12.2.2, as enshrined in our Constitution, is that a candidate from outside the political establishment can seek a nomination – as I am doing.”

Mr Sheridan will outline his platform at a press conference in Dublin on Sunday.