Humphreys' presidency would be about 'breaking down awful prejudices creeping into our society'

Born in Monaghan, her father was a member of the Orange Order but Ms Humphreys became 'a proud Irish republican'

Heather Humphreys with her team at the statute of Michael Collins on Cork's Grand Parade. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Hours after Irish flags were erected on lampposts and bridges across Cork city in an apparent echo of the far-right, anti-migrant Tricolour-hoisting across Dublin, presidential candidate Heather Humphreys canvassed the city on her campaign of unity.

“One of the themes of my presidency is about unity. It's about breaking down those awful prejudices that are creeping into our society. It's about having the conversations,” Ms Humphreys, Fine Gael’s presidential candidate, said.