Humphreys returns to Louth as ‘two horse race’ to the Áras reaches final weeks

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

With canvassing for the Presidential election down to the last vital few weeks, Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys brought her campaign back to Louth on Tuesday.

After a dramatic weekend which saw the withdrawal of Jim Gavin from the ballot, and confirmation that it is now a two horse race with Catherine Connolly, she was keen to dust off the drama and meet with people in communities across the Drogheda area.

Beginning her day with a visit to LMFM studios for a chat with Adrian Kennedy, she then moved on to Drogheda Museum in Millmount where she was greeted by local students from St. Joseph’s Secondary School and had the opportunity to field some questions from the students about her vision for the Presidency.

A tour of the Millmount Cultural Quarter followed, where she got a first hand look at the local arts studios, and by a tour of the Museum itself.

Next stop was Termonfeckin and a trip to An Grianán, the headquarters of the Irish Country Women’s Association, where the Cavan woman was warmly greeted by ICA President, Mary D’Arcy, who took her on a tour of An Grianán showcasing the wide range of arts and crafts activities being undertaken by ICA members on the day.

As the countdown to polling day on Friday October 24 heated up, she was keen to ‘press the flesh’ and meet with staff and local people as she arrived at the Forge Field Farm Shop in Termonfeckin for a spot of lunch.

Speaking during the visit, the former government minister talked up her own political experience and values as she appealed for votes:

“I am a centre ground, common sense, pro-European candidate in this election. The presidency is above party politics and I am asking voters to place their trust in me so that I can bring my experience to the role of President.”

“I served in Cabinet for ten years overseeing the successful 1916 Commemorations; supporting businesses through Brexit and the Covid pandemic; rolling out Hot School Meals to young children across the country; enhancing supports for our pensioners; and investing in local communities."

As one of just two candidates still remaining, she added: “I won’t let our country down and I will represent Ireland with pride diplomatically and culturally at home and on the world stage.”