Heather Humphreys Takes Lead in Presidential Race, Polls Show

Recent polling indicates that Heather Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate, is leading the race for the presidency of Ireland. According to the latest Business Post/RED C poll, 22 percent of the 1,000 respondents expressed their first preference for Humphreys. This positions her ahead of former Dublin Gaelic football manager and Fianna Fáil hopeful, Jim Gavin, who garnered 18 percent of first preference votes. Independent candidate Catherine Connolly follows closely with 17 percent, while conservative activist Maria Steen is polling at 5 percent as she seeks the backing of 20 Oireachtas members.

Humphreys’ campaign, which she launched in her home county of Monaghan on Saturday, comes amid a backdrop of discussions regarding her past. She acknowledged attending Orange Order parades during her childhood but ceased participation with the onset of the Troubles. As a Presbyterian, Humphreys stated her support for Irish unity, presenting herself as a figure of “tolerance and inclusivity” for unionists.

Campaign Launch and Vision for Unity

In her address to party members, Humphreys reflected on her family history, noting that her grandfather signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912. This oath was a declaration of resistance by unionists against home rule in Ireland. In a media interaction, she emphasized her desire to “reach out” to communities in Northern Ireland, highlighting her commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding.

When questioned about the presidential office’s role in advocating for Irish unity, Humphreys responded: “What I want to do is convince people that this is a safe place, this is a good country, this is a safe place when it comes to your culture, when it comes to your identity. You will be respected.” She stressed the importance of collaboration in bridging existing divisions, indicating her intention to work towards creating a united Ireland.

“I’ve been up in the North many, many times and when you scratch back the surface, there are deep divisions there,” she added. “We have to work really hard on that so that one day we will have a united people and a united Ireland.”

Election Context and Competitors

The presidential election is scheduled for October 24, 2024. Alongside Humphreys, Jim Gavin represents Fianna Fáil, while Catherine Connolly has secured support from a coalition of smaller parties. Notably, Sinn Féin has yet to announce whether it will field a candidate in this election.

As the campaign unfolds, Humphreys’ ability to connect with voters may prove instrumental in her quest for the presidency. Her approach, rooted in her heritage and commitment to inclusivity, appears to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate, as reflected in the polling data. With the election date approaching, all eyes will be on how these dynamics evolve in the lead-up to the vote.