Heather Humphreys leaves the door open for a shot at the presidency

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue also dismissed the establishment of a new rural political party as he said there is "massive incoherence" among Independent TDs.

Heather Humphreys insisted that the Government "absolutely" understands rural dwellers and the challenges people living outside of urban areas are facing. File picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

Heather Humphreys has refused to rule herself out as a candidate for the next presidential elections.

The Social Protection and Rural Affairs Minister has said her focus for now is on her work in Government, but has left the door open in relation to running for the Áras. Speculation has also been mounting that European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness could also put her name forward as the Fine Gael candidate in the next presidential elections.