Mayo Fine Gael TDs backing Heather Humphreys for Presidential nomination
Mayo Fine Gael TDs Keira Keogh and Alan Dillon have both formally endorsed Heather Humphreys in her bid to secure the party’s nomination for the upcoming presidential election.
The former cabinet minister confirmed her candidacy on Tuesday morning, announcing her intention to contest the presidency for Fine Gael alongside MEP Seán Kelly. Their announcements came after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the race due to health reasons.
Ms Humphreys quickly emerged as the frontrunner after she gained 38 public endorsements as of Tuesday evening, well above the 20 signatures required to enter the contest.
Three of those endorsements came from county Mayo representatives, with Minister Alan Dillon, Deputy Keira Keogh and Senator Mark Duffy all announcing their support for Ms Humphreys on their social media accounts.
Minister Alan Dillon said he was delighted to support Ms Humphreys nomination to run for president writing: “A strong, grounded leader who connects with people across all divides she’d make a fantastic President and has my full support.”
Deputy Keira Keogh shared a photo of herself and Ms Humphreys with the caption: “Our next president must be a unifier; someone who will bring the country together. Someone who is rooted in rural Ireland. Someone who understands everyday people,
“Heather Humphreys ticks all those boxes. I’m proud to endorse her to be the Fine Gael nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election and I’m looking forward to getting out and supporting her.”
Senator Mark Duffy, who joined Fine Gael in October 2024 having previously served as an independent councillor in Mayo, wished Ms Humphreys all the best in her bid for the Fine Gael nomination.
“With her proven leadership as Minister for Rural and Community Development and her deep commitment to public service, she has the vision and experience to serve Ireland with distinction,” wrote Senator Duffy.
Given the wave of endorsements, Ms Humphreys looks highly likely to win the Fine Gael nomination, as Mr Kelly now can’t secure the number of signatures needed to be successful.
To win the party nomination a candidate must gather support from 20 councillors, 25 Oireachtas members, and five members of the Executive Council.
Ms Humphreys has previously served as Minister for Rural and Community Development, a position now held by Mayo TD Dara Calleary.
She had ruled herself out of the presidential race in May, offering her support for Mairead McGuinness, whom she described as a friend. However, she reconsidered her position following Ms McGuinness’ withdrawal from the contest on health grounds.
Reflecting on her initial reluctance, Ms Humphreys said she had felt burnt out last autumn, when she also announced she would not stand in the next general election, admitting that her tank was “probably running on empty.”
Speaking to Northern Sound FM, the Monaghan native said she has had a “really good rest” and felt good about taking on the challenge.
"I've said to myself more than once, you know, you could do a bit more Heather,” she told the Joe Finnegan Show, “I've had a good rest. The tank is full again. And you know, timing is a funny thing, because I have never felt as good about taking on a challenge.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.