Update: Joan Freeman promises to disclose all money spent by Presidential Office if she is elected
Senator Joan Freeman says she believes the examination of Presidential finances is unconstitutional.
The Pieta House Founder was speaking as she submitted her nomination papers for the Presidential Election at Custom House in Dublin this afternoon.
The Public Accounts Committee has been looking at the issue of Presidential spending this morning.
Senator Freeman said if she is elected she will be fully transparent with finances.
Honoured to be here at Custom House to formally submit my nomination papers for the 2018 Presidential Election. #VoteJoan #Aras18 pic.twitter.com/9StYKPwDkD
— Joan Freeman (@SenJoanFreeman) September 25, 2018
She said: "First of all it is unconstitutional according to article 13.8.2, but at the same time, if I should get elected as President, I will make full disclosure of all monies spent in the Presidential Office."
Earlier: Peter Casey hits out at President Higgins' 'lame excuse' for missing Presidential debate
Two more dragons have officially entered the race for the Áras.
Sean Gallagher and Peter Casey both lodged their nomination papers at Custom House this morning.
Senator Joan Freeman is due to hand her papers in this afternoon.
Sean Gallagher got on the ticket with the support of five local authorities. While Peter Casey had the minimum four required.
Gallagher, who contested the race the last time, was the first to arrive at Custom House this morning.
I was delighted to be accompanied by my family while delivering my Presidential Election Nomination Papers to the Custom House earlier this morning. #Aras18 #Aras2018 #Sean4President pic.twitter.com/olVY7VO9Wy
— Seán Gallagher (@seangallagher1) September 25, 2018
He took the opportunity to criticise RTE for failing to properly organise a Presidential debate.
He said: "this situation could easily have been avoided had RTE contacted the Office of the President to find out if the President was available on these scheduled dates.
"On the public website, which is available online, it was clear that the President had pre-scheduled commitments."
His former Dragons Den co-star Peter Casey also formalised his nomination this morning, and he said he can understand why Sean Gallagher has opted out of Thursday’s debate, as he "didn’t do so well the last time".
He added that Michael D Higgins had a “lame” excuse for not attending, saying: "I think it would be certainly beneficial if the President was there.
"I think he's got some lame excuse. Prince Edward would have waited."
