Heather Humphreys Surges Ahead in Fine Gael Presidential Race

Heather Humphreys has taken a significant lead over Sean Kelly in the race for the Fine Gael presidential nomination. Both candidates officially declared their intention to run on Tuesday, requiring support from 20 members of the parliamentary party, 25 councillors, and five executive members to advance. By late afternoon, Humphreys had already secured the backing of at least 29 members of the parliamentary party, with expectations that her support would exceed 30 by the end of the day.

Among those endorsing Humphreys are prominent figures such as ministers Peter Burke and Patrick O’Donovan, as well as junior ministers Neale Richmond, Hildegarde Naughton, Colm Brophy, and Emer Higgins. Many other TDs (Teachtaí Dála) and senators from across the country have also pledged their support, indicating a strong coalition backing her candidacy.

In contrast, Sean Kelly had only garnered the declared support of six parliamentary party members by the same point in time. Among his supporters are Joe Cooney, a TD from Clare, who described himself as a proud Munster and GAA man, along with Noel McCarthy from Cork East and Senators Michael Kennelly and Garrett Ahearn, who highlighted Kelly’s achievements as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and his deep connections to grassroots initiatives.

Humphreys announced her candidacy on Northern Sound radio, expressing that she felt “genuinely humbled” by the support she received. She acknowledged that her decision to run marked a change of heart, having previously ruled herself out. “Everything has changed with Mairead McGuinness’s news last week, and I would just like to wish her well in her recovery,” she stated, referring to McGuinness stepping aside from the race.

Reflecting on her earlier decision to leave politics, Humphreys admitted to feeling “a bit burned out” after a decade in Cabinet. “I’ve said to myself more than once: ‘you could do a bit more, Heather.’ Really, I’ve had a good rest; the tank is full again,” she said. “Timing is a funny thing, because I have never felt as good about taking on the challenge.”

Currently, Humphreys holds a decisive advantage in terms of support, although Kelly has committed to remaining in the race. The outcome remains uncertain as both candidates continue to rally for the necessary endorsements to secure their positions.

As the nomination process unfolds, observers will be keen to see how the dynamics of the race evolve, especially with the backing that Humphreys has already accumulated.