Fine Gael to reopen presidential nomination after Mairead McGuinness withdrawal

Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly are weighing presidential bids after Mairead McGuinness’s withdrawal reshaped Fine Gael’s candidacy race

Former social protection minister Heather Humphreys is expected to announce her intention to seek Fine Gael's nomination this week for the presidential election. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Fine Gael is to open a second nomination process for the presidency, with two senior party members — who previously ruled out a run for the Áras — set to battle it out for the candidacy.

The sudden withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness on health grounds has left Fine Gael in disarray, but former social protection minister Heather Humphreys is expected to announce her intention to seek the nomination this week.