Presidential candidate Gavin Duffy has said that Ireland would be best served if the next holder of the office was familiar with trade and tariff issues, given the importance of Brexit, and he had something to contribute.
He held his campaign launch in Dublin today.
Mr Duffy said he believed he was the best candidate for the job, given that international relations was a core function of the job, and he best understood the economic challenges of Brexit.
He said he disagreed with both Liadh Ní Riada, who called for a border poll, and Seán Gallagher who said he would campaign for a united Ireland.
Mr Duffy said he would expect to spend €300,000 on the campaign, most of which would come from his personal savings.
He said he would not need to take out a loan on his private house, as he previously stated, because he was not going to spend €200,000 on posters.
He added that he anticipated receiving not more than €50,000 in small donations, but would not accept either corporate or large donations.
Mr Duffy said that he never had a tax issue, a bad debt, or became involved in litigation, and there was nothing in his personal life that could embarrass him.
He dismissed suggestions that his business success meant that he was "out of touch" with ordinary voters.
Asked if he would seek to serve a second term if elected, Mr Duffy said: "Seven years is long enough for anybody in any job," but added he would make clear his intentions after six years in office.
Mr Duffy was also questioned about business dealings with Denis O'Brien, saying he had worked less than 40 hours with the businessman.
