Independent Presidential candidate Seán Gallagher has accused Sinn Féin of organising and orchestrating a smear campaign designed to take him out of the Presidential campaign.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Dragons Den star Gallagher said Sinn Féin had put together a “dirty tricks” campaign to reduce his standing amongst the electorate.
He told radio host Pat Kenny, who also chaired last night`s debate, that the dirty tricks campaign from Sinn Féin followed his call last week for people who have information on the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe to make it known to authorities.
He said when he topped the polls last week he was made aware that Sinn Féin, in particular in border areas, would put him under what he called “amazing attacks”.
Gallagher said last night’s Frontline debate had been an “ambush” and a “hatchet job” organised by Sinn Féin, adding it was “an approach they are well used to”.
Commenting on the accusation that he received a cheque on behalf of Fianna Fáil from a donor in Co Louth, Mr Gallagher said he had told the absolute truth about the issue and did not remember what happened.
The Cavan native said he stood over everything he had done in business as being impeccable and with complete honesty.
He said he would remain focused on his ambition to restore a bright economic future for the country and would not be falling fowl of any further political assassination attempts being orchestarted by Sinn Féin.
Martin McGuinness has since revealed that he will not be exposing the identity of the man who called him to make the revelations about Gallagher’s dealings.
Meanwhile, in a further blow to his campaign, a number of GAA clubs n Louth have come forward to state that they paid Gallagher €5000 to act as a consultant in order to get them grants.
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