Heather Humphreys confirmed as Fine Gael's presidential election candidate

Heather Humphries will join Catherine Connolly on the ballot paper in next month’s election. Picture: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

Heather Humphreys will be Fine Gael’s presidential election candidate in the upcoming election, the party has confirmed.

It follows the announcement by Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly on Monday evening that he was pulling out of the race due to a lack of support for his nomination.

Ms Humphreys, a former minister and TD for Cavan-Monaghan, is the second confirmed candidate in the race and will join Catherine Connolly on the ballot paper in next month’s election, which is set to take place on October 24.

Fine Gael confirmed on Tuesday that Ms Humphreys had reached the required threshold for nomination. She will be ratified as a candidate on Saturday, September 13.

Tánaiste Simon Harris “warmly congratulated” Ms Humphreys.

“I warmly congratulate Heather Humphreys on becoming the Fine Gael nominee for President of Ireland,” he said.

“Heather is a woman of integrity, dignity, and heart. In an increasingly divisive world, I believe Heather can break down barriers and bring people together. Her record in public life has demonstrated that vision of unity and community.

“I am so excited for Heather to take her message and her vision to every corner of this great country.

“Heather Humphreys possesses all of the attributes to make an extraordinary president at an important time for our country.” 

In a letter to Fine Gael, Ms Humphreys said she was “delighted” to get the nomination.

“I want to pay tribute to Seán Kelly, who is a gentleman and a talented and dedicated public representative," she said. 

"I love this country, it has made me everything I am and given me everything I have. My campaign will focus on my life experience as I ask citizens to trust me with their vote to be president of this great country.

"I will be a candidate with a vision; with experience and with a track record of supporting communities; bringing people together and representing Ireland on the world stage.

"I’m not promising perfection but I promise honesty, compassion and service.

"I’m excited about the campaign and really looking forward to getting out on the ground to meet the people and set out my vision.

"Next week, we will have the official ratification of the candidacy, and I hope, those of you that can, will join me at official launch of my campaign.” 

To be nominated, a candidate required the backing of 20 members of the parliamentary party, 25 Fine Gael councillors and five members of the Executive Council.

On Monday evening, Mr Kelly, MEP for Ireland South, conceded that he did not have the required levels of support and withdrew from the race.

Mairead McGuinness, former European Commissioner, had been selected to run in the election for Fine Gael but was forced to pull out in mid-August due to personal health issues.

Ms Humphreys stood down ahead of last year’s general election.

A former Credit Union manager, Ms Humphreys was co-opted to Monaghan County Council in 2003 and re-elected in subsequent elections.

In 2011, she became a TD for Cavan-Monaghan and was promoted to Cabinet in 2014. She served as arts minister, enterprise minister and minister for social protection.

She announced her retirement from politics before last year's general election but said last month that "the tank is full" and she is ready to run again.

Ms Humphreys and Ms Connolly are the only two confirmed candidates on the presidential election ballot paper.

Fianna Fáil will meet in Leinster House next Tuesday to discuss its candidate, with former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin and MEP Billy Kelleher both expected to receive enough support to present to the party. A secret ballot will then take place.

Sinn Féin, meanwhile, will discuss the election as its parliamentary party meets for its two-day think-in in Dublin next Monday and Tuesday. The Ard Comhairle will then meet to decide whether the party will run its own candidate or back another one.