Who is Gareth Sheridan? The former CEO who wants to be President

As the race for the Presidential election heats up, one name that has made his intentions known this week is Gareth Sheridan.

The former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, the 35-year-old would become the youngest ever president if he was to be elected.

The multi-millionaire is seeking the nomination from local authorities, and said he has been speaking to local authorities over the last number of months.

He needs the support of four local authorities to get on the ballot paper.

Mr Sheridan has previously said he wants to “put manners” on the largest pharmaceutical companies in the US

Nutriband developed a system to change the way patches of painkillers, such as fentanyl and other opiates, work to reduce abuse and prevent risk of accidental exposure.

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.

He has says his age is important for the presidency.

“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."

Depsite only announcing his campaign, there have already been several revelations about Mr Sheridan.

In 2018, he was fined by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States  for making misleading statements about his company.

Alongside co-founder Serguei Melnik, the only two employees at the time, they agreed to pay fines of $25,000 each.

The Irish Times also reported that Mr Melnik was involved in a major controversy in 2019 over the privatisation of Air Moldova and possible links to Russian oligarchs.

Mr Sheridan also revealed former presedential candidate Sean Gallagher, who came second in 2011, resigned from his role as chairman of Nutirband in January 2022 when communications broke down over a change in corporate structure.

So far, only Fine Gael's Maired McGuinness and Independent TD Catherine Connolly have been confirmed as candidates.

As of now, it is uncertain if Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil will run candidates.