Heather Humphreys in pole position to be Fine Gael nominee for presidency

Ms Humphreys has backing from 38 Fine Gael parliamentary party members — almost double the number she needs

Then minister Heather Humphreys and then European election candidate Seán Kelly with party leader Simon Harris at FG's election manifesto launch in May 2024. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Former social protection minister Heather Humphreys is in pole position to be Fine Gael’s nominee for the presidency, as she significantly leads MEP Seán Kelly in party backing.

Ms Humphreys has a total of 38 backers, almost double the required nominations as set out by the Fine Gael executive council on Monday evening.