Fine Gael system to choose presidential candidate means race could be over before it starts

The party has operated an electoral college system which, it was argued by some members in 2023, vastly outweighs its TDs, senators and MEPs

Heather Humphries (left) has gained a noticeable and potentially insurmountable lead over Sean Kelly (right) in the parliamentary party race. File photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

At a Fine Gael "special conference" in a Maynooth hotel in 2023, there was a discussion. In the almost labyrinthine Glenroyal Hotel, the party had taken over a number of meeting and conference rooms to host sessions on things like building “stronger, safer communities”. 

All there agreed on the need to build stronger and safer communities, you will be shocked to hear, but in a smaller room there was an issue that not everyone could agree on and it's an issue that could prove crucial to the presidential election.