'It's going to be Heather': Humphreys emerges as Fine Gael favourite for Áras run

While Ms Humphreys had ruled herself out, she has indicated her willingness to run in recent days. Sources indicated that she is currently building a team for her campaign

Multiple TDs told the 'Irish Examiner' that the former Cavan-Monaghan TD Heather Humphreys would have enough support within the Fine Gael parliamentary party to run. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Heather Humphreys is the frontrunner to replace Mairead McGuinness as the Fine Gael presidential candidate, as the party formally reopens its nominations on Tuesday.

A meeting of the Fine Gael executive council confirmed the nomination process would begin again, after the dramatic exit of Ms McGuinness from the presidential election on health grounds.