Leitrim TD backs Humphreys for president

Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has given his support to Heather Humphreys in her bid to secure the Fine Gael nomination for president.

The party has been forced to reopen nominations after a meeting of its Executive Council on Monday evening, following the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness last week.

Ms McGuinness, who had been selected as the party’s candidate, pulled out of the race citing medical advice, leaving Fine Gael scrambling to identify a replacement. Among the names being spoken about are Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly.

Deputy Feighan said he was proud to back his colleague, describing her as both a friend and someone he had worked closely with in government.

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“I am glad to be able to call Heather a good friend but aside from that she is a colleague that I have worked with closely in government as a TD and minister since 2011,” he said.

“Heather’s work as a Minister demonstrated to me her competency, but above all her grounded approach in how to deal with so many complicated issues that came across her table.”

“Above all it was her ability to communicate with people across our rural and urban communities, to understand their challenges and opportunities and ensuring that under her watch and initiatives so many of those communities have prospered.”

“I believe that Heather would be an excellent president if selected by Fine Gael and elected by the people, I believe she will be in a position to do so much to bring our communities together and she will of course make an enormous contribution in on our ongoing ambition to heal divisions on this island.”

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The party confirmed yesterday that nominations reopened at noon on Tuesday and will remain open for two weeks.

Presidential Candidates must secure the backing of 20 members of the Parliamentary Party, 25 Fine Gael councillors, and five members of the Executive Council.

Currently, a number of candidates, including Independent TD Catherine Connolly, Businessman Peter Casey, Millionaire pharma boss Gareth Sheridan, and Conor McGregor, have expressed interest in running for the office.

Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris said the timeframe would allow for a candidate to be in place by mid-September.

“Over the next two weeks, there will now be an opportunity for people who wish to seek the Fine Gael nomination to come forward and to engage with our TDs, Senators, Councillors and members from right across Ireland,” said Mr Harris.

“This will enable us to have a candidate in place by mid-September, in plenty of time for the election in the weeks ahead. I wish any and all prospective candidates the very best.”

The exact date of the presidential election has yet to be confirmed, but it must take place on or up to 60 days before the end of the current term on 11 November 2025.