Heather Humphreys Aims to Unite Ireland by Engaging Unionists

Heather Humphreys has expressed a strong desire to see a united Ireland, pledging to engage with unionists to highlight the advantages of unity if she is elected President. The Fine Gael candidate, who hails from the predominantly Protestant village of Drum in County Monaghan, is acutely aware of the complexities surrounding the issue due to her upbringing near the border with Northern Ireland.

Humphreys reflects on her family history, noting that her grandfather signed the Ulster Covenant in opposition to Home Rule. This personal connection shapes her understanding of the sensitivities many in her community feel towards the United Kingdom. Despite her heritage, she identifies as a “true Irish republican” and draws inspiration from historical figures like Wolfe Tone, aspiring to see a 32-county republic in the future.

Understanding Historical Context and Community Concerns

In an interview with Henry McKean for The Hard Shoulder, Humphreys articulated the challenges posed by the border, stating, “You must remember, when you go back to when the border was formed, you had unionists going to sleep as British citizens, woke up as Irish.” She acknowledged the profound impact of the Troubles, which created barriers between communities.

“People were afraid to visit their relations in Northern Ireland in case they got caught up in a bomb,” she added, highlighting the pervasive fear that affected everyday life during that tumultuous period. Humphreys aims to foster an environment where unionists feel secure and respected within a united Ireland, emphasizing that their identity would not only be acknowledged but valued.

Building Bridges for Future Unity

Humphreys, a Presbyterian from an Ulster background, believes her election could serve as a demonstration to unionists that they have “nothing to fear” in the context of a unified Ireland. “I want to see a united Ireland in time but there’s a lot of work to be done,” she admitted. Despite her eagerness, she refrained from setting a specific timeline for this vision.

She stressed the importance of extending a hand of friendship to the over one million unionists in Northern Ireland, stating, “Look at me, I come from a minority, Protestant tradition and this country has given me a wonderful chance. It has made me what I am.”

Polling is scheduled for October 24, 2023, as Humphreys seeks to build a coalition that can bridge divides and lead the conversation on Irish unity. Her candidacy reflects a nuanced understanding of the historical and social dynamics at play, aiming to create a narrative that resonates across communities.