Former Meath Chronicle man behind Duffy charge

Meath man Gavin Duffy officially launched his Presidential bid this morning (Tuesday), saying he will base his election campaign around five key pillars - youth, older people, diversity and inclusion, respect and working together.

As he prepared for what is expected to be a gruelling campaign, the Julianstown-based businessman will have his wife and business partner Orlaith Carmody by his side, along with his media advisor, Richard Moore, a former Meath resident and past member of the Meath Chronicle staff.
Mr Duffy believes the biggest challenge facing Ireland occurs just 180 days from now, with the UK leaving the EU. 
He says that while the Presidency is a largely ceremonial role, one of the main functions of the President is international diplomacy.
“Surely we would be best served at this time by having a President who fully understands all these issues, how they are interconnected and with Brexit looming large it is important for Ireland that we would have in Áras an Uachtaráin, a President who is familiar with the trade and tariff issues to be faced and resolved between Ireland and the United Kingdom post Brexit.”
He is proposing the creation of the Ireland International Youth Corps which our young people aged between 18 and 25 could join to serve their community at home for three months and then volunteer overseas in developing parts of the world.
“Also, as President I will lead a nationwide programme in schools to highlight the importance of a healthy diet and exercise so that together we can stem the alarming increase in childhood obesity which currently stands at 10%.  
He wants to see a truly caring environment for our older people and an Ireland that retains a sense of our distinctive culture, heritage and identity while welcoming people from other backgrounds.
He hopes to see “to end shaming in our society, attacking one another over body image or sexual orientation, particularly as it affects our young people who suffer severe cyber-bullying.”
His vision is for people to work better together to sustain inward investment, encourage enterprise and ensure a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
The next three weeks will be hectic for all six candidates and the direction in which the campaign will go is largely unpredictable.
Mr Duffy's Director of Communications Richard Moore said that Presidential elections are different to any others, as they are based on personality.
“You cannot have policies, you cannot say you are going to reduce income tax.”
In recent years candidates have come under intense scrutiny in what often became 'dirty’ campaigns and already Mr Duffy's work as PR advisor for the ' St John of Gods' order came under scrutiny.
With a long list of former clients, is he prepared for any more potential 'banana skins.'
“We are like the boy scouts, we are always prepared but sometimes you don't see things coming for you from left field.
“Gavin has always been transparent though and he is not involved in his business for the duration of the campaign.”
Mr Moore believes that the biggest challenge for his candidate is the fact he has not been a politician.
“It shouldn't be the preserve of the political classes. The public prefers a fresh face.”
Richard Moore is a former journalist with the Meath Chronicle and in his role as Director of Communications he handles all the media and interviews.