High-profile support in Mayo for Humphreys

High-profile support in Mayo for Humphreys

Heather Humphreys has received strong backing from Fine Gael in Mayo for her bid to be the party's presidential candidate. Picture: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Mayo Fine Gael TDs are backing Heather Humphreys bid for a presential nomination for the party.

Ms Humphreys and MEP Seán Kelly have both confirmed they will seek the nomination, but Ms Humphreys has made the early running with significant backing from her parliamentary party. Ms Humphreys retired from the Dáil last November after serving in Cabinet for over a decade.

Fine Gael TDs Alan Dillon and Keira Keogh are among those to have thrown their support behind Ms Humphreys. Minister of State Dillon said he was delighted to support Ms Humphreys' nomination, adding: “A strong, grounded leader who connects with people across all divides, she’d make a fantastic President and has my full support.” 

Deputy Keira Keogh shared a photo of herself and Ms Humphreys with the caption: “Our next President must be a unifier; someone who will bring the country together. Someone who is rooted in rural Ireland. Someone who understands everyday people."

Ballina-based Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy has also lent his support.

“With her proven leadership as Minister for Rural and Community Development and her deep commitment to public service, she has the vision and experience to serve Ireland with distinction,” he said.

Ms Humphreys said she has "decided to go for it", having originally ruled herself out in May.

Asked why she changed her mind, the Monaghan native said she had not wanted to stand against Mairead McGuinness, whom she described as a friend, but all that had changed with Ms McGuinness' withdrawal from the race on health grounds.

Nominations for the party’s presidential candidate reopened at midday last Tuesday and will close at midday on September 2. Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris said the decision to reopen nominations will enable the party to have a candidate in place by mid-September.

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