The race for the Irish presidency has taken a dramatic turn, as two prominent Fine Gael politicians, Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly, have announced their intention to seek the party’s nomination. This follows the recent withdrawal of the party’s previously selected candidate, European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, who cited health concerns.
Nominations, which had initially closed, have been reopened by the Fine Gael Executive Council. They will remain open until midday on September 2nd. According to Tánaiste Simon Harris, this will allow the party to have a candidate in place by mid-September.
Humphreys’s Bid: Speaking on Northern Sound radio, former Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys confirmed her decision to re-enter the race. She had previously ruled out a run but stated that “everything had changed” following McGuinness’s decision. Humphreys, who is the granddaughter of an Ulster unionist, said she had “plenty in the tank” and that the timing was right for her to take on the challenge. She aims to use the presidency to “deepen relations between the people of this island north and south.”
Kelly’s Bid: MEP Seán Kelly, a former president of the GAA, also announced his bid, telling RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that his original decision not to run was “the hardest decision” he had ever made. He stated that he had been convinced to re-enter the race by the “huge support” he’d received from party members at the grassroots level. Kelly highlighted the “huge potential in the job” and said he would be “very energetic” in bringing the Áras to the people.
Fianna Fáil’s Deliberations: Meanwhile, the co-governing party, Fianna Fáil, is facing calls to put forward its own candidate. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher has urged the parliamentary party to convene an “urgent” meeting to discuss the matter. Kelleher argues that as the largest party, Fianna Fáil should actively participate in the election by either running its own candidate or supporting one that aligns with its values. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that the party’s position will be made clear later this month. Sources and related content
