Gareth Sheridan Admits Green Card Marriage Amid Presidential Bid

UPDATE: Presidential hopeful Gareth Sheridan has revealed he secured his American citizenship through a controversial green card marriage, a revelation that has sparked intense public interest as he campaigns to become Ireland’s next president. During his campaign launch this week, Sheridan openly admitted that his marriage to American-born Heidi Sheridan was primarily motivated by the need for a green card.

In an interview following his announcement, he stated, “We got married initially in America, then we had our big ceremony back in Kildare. Our initial wedding was more of a means to stay together – more I would get my Green Card, essentially.” Sheridan, who aims to be the youngest president since Eamon de Valera, emphasized he has no plans to relinquish his American citizenship, stating, “I travel on my Irish passport. I am an Irish person before anything else.”

Sheridan, a businessman from Dublin, is vying for a spot on the presidential ticket by securing nominations from four local authorities. He claims to have received support from two councils already and is actively pursuing proposals from four others. Independent Senator Sharon Keogan is backing his campaign.

Born in Terenure and educated at Terenure College, Sheridan made his fortune through his company, Nutriband, which develops innovative patches for administering vitamins and medications. However, his business has faced scrutiny, including a $25,000 fine from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for misleading information about certain products. Additionally, three associates of his company are embroiled in corruption investigations in Moldova and Romania.

Sheridan’s acknowledgment of his associates’ legal troubles has raised eyebrows. When asked if he conducted thorough background checks, he hesitated, stating, “Well, I don’t know,” and rejected allegations linking him to Russian interests as “categorically false.” He expressed pride in his Irish identity and aspirations to represent a new generational voice in politics.

As he campaigns, issues such as housing remain at the forefront of his agenda. Despite recognizing the ongoing crisis, he admitted, “I don’t have the answers to it right now,” calling for greater involvement from younger generations in political discourse.

Sheridan, who recently returned to Ireland with his wife and adopted daughter, aims to inspire youth participation in politics, emphasizing the importance of relatable leadership. “One person going into the Dáil… doesn’t happen, but encouraging a whole generation of people to now pick up interest… sets a movement,” he stated.

With the election looming, all eyes are on Sheridan as he navigates his controversial past while presenting himself as a fresh candidate for Ireland’s presidency. The political landscape is rapidly evolving, and Sheridan’s unique background adds a complex layer to his candidacy. Watch for upcoming developments as he seeks to secure the necessary nominations and address critical issues facing the nation.