Joan Freeman says the loan financing her Presidential campaign came from an ex-boyfriend, and not his former company which promotes weight loss pills.

The Senator and Pieta House founder formally launched her bid for the Presidency earlier on Monday.

Speaking in Dublin, Senator Freeman said she knows she cannot bring jobs to Ireland or shorten hospital waiting lists – but said she hopes to encourage people to make a difference in their communities.

"I know I can’t fix all that is wrong," she said. "That’s the job of others."

"However, what I can do is empower and mobilise people across the country to make a difference in their communities."

She has taken a €120,000 loan from businessman Des Walsh - a former boyfriend who made his money with nutritional supplements company, Herbalife.

Senator Freeman said the loan is entirely legitimate and has been paid from Mr Walsh's personal finances.

"What you've also got to remember is that when I asked for this loan, I was asking on behalf of what I can do for my country.

"And it was an honest and transparent loan.

"And the reality is: if there was somebody else in Ireland who would have given that loan, I would gladly have accepted - but this is what I was left to."

She also denied that her campaign was connected to the controversial business.

"Herbalife didn't back me, Herbalife didn't give me a loan - a man called Des Walsh gave me the loan - so I'm not associated with any company".

Senator Joan Freeman with her daughter Aislinne and husband Pat during the launch of her presidential campaign in Dublin | Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Pieta House founder said she has made mental health the core pillar of her pitch to be President, she said that she aims to tackle issues like cyber-bullying and low self esteem.

"As a country we have been bruised by the past decade.

"Now as we remember the crash that cost us a generation, we can see the damage beyond the financial one.

"We see the scars, emotional and physical that those years have etched.

"In the worry about financial security, in the citizens that sleep without shelter, in the queues for health services, both mental and physical.

"It has created a new uncertainty that is not going to go away any time soon; an uncertainty that erodes our confidence and that can prevent us from reaching our potential as individuals, as communities and as a society.”

She said she aims to highlight four key areas throughout her campaign.

• Building Stronger Communities at Home and Abroad
• Investing in our Wellbeing
• Valuing our Ageing Population
• Nurturing Our Young People

"“The next seven years are crucial in rebuilding the fabric of support that individuals and communities can offer,” she said.

"I want to be the President that builds the mental and physical resilience we need to combat the challenges ahead, ensuring we build an Ireland that is an example to the world in kindness, in courage and in care.”

The presidential election is due to be held on Friday October 26th.