Offbeat

Teed off: Peter Casey faces backlash over golf video

Presidential candidate says he plunged into Lough Foyle and retrieved golf ball

Presidential candidate Peter Casey pictured following a presidential debate at RTÉ, Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Sun Sep 30 2018 - 18:46

Presidential candidate Peter Casey has caused a social media outcry after posting a video of himself playing golf.

On Friday the Dragon’s Den panellist tweeted footage of him apparently hitting a golf ball into Lough Foyle, with the caption: “This is the only ‘driver’ I’ll be bringing to the Áras when I get elected.”

The video led to an immediate backlash online, with several commenters criticising Mr Casey for polluting the marine environment.

Labour TD Seán Sherlock was among those to condemn the former CEO of Claddagh Resources, tweeting: "Good man. Drive another bit of plastic/elastic into the ocean why don't you!!! #eejit"

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On Sunday, Mr Casey tweeted that he had retrieved the golf ball, saying “Let it not be said that I do not listen to the voters’ concerns. This morning I plunged into Lough Foyle and retrieved the golf ball. It was frigid, but it was a nice way to quickly wake up.”

Mr Casey is one of six candidates contesting the presidential election, along with fellow dragons Seán Gallagher and Gavin Duffy, Sinn Féin's Liadh Ní Riada, Senator Joan Freeman, and incumbent Michael D Higgins.

He has previously said he wants to create a “more purposeful” presidency if elected.

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