Heather Humphreys launches her presidential campaign in Co Monaghan

LAST UPDATE | 13 hrs ago

FINE GAEL’S PRESIDENTIAL candidate Heather Humphreys has officially launched her campaign today at the Peace Campus in her native Co Monaghan.

Humphreys, Fianna Fáil’s candidate Jim Gavin, and Independent left candidate Catherine Connolly are the three confirmed candidates for the presidential election.

A number of speakers from different sectors addressed those gathered at the launch today endorsing Humphreys’ run for the Áras – including business, farming, sport, and academia. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris also addressed the launch, where he described his party’s candidate as empathetic, passionate, and humorous. He noted the proximity of this morning’s launch to the border separating the country and Humphreys’ background as a Presbyterian Republican. 

Humphreys herself then highlighted her vision for the presidency, which she said would be focused on community, unity, and opportunity. 

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“My mission will be not just be to take people to Áras an Uachtarain but to take the Áras to the people,” she said. 

 ”I believe every citizen should have the opportunity to achieve their true potential. I’ve seen what people can achieve when they’re given a fair chance.

“My own story is living proof that regardless of your background, Ireland is a country of opportunity. As President, I want every child growing up on this island to know there are no limits to what you can achieve.”

On Gaza, Humphreys said the situation is “absolutely horrific” and wrong. She also said she supported Irish neutrality but backed government plans to change the triple lock.

She paid tribute to outgoing President Michael D Higgins for speaking out about the situation in the Middle East “for the people of Ireland”.

She added: “What is happening in Gaza is absolutely horrific.

“When I look at the television and I see parents carrying their children wrapped in white sheets to bury them. I see people who are maimed, I see people who are starving.

“What is going on in Gaza is wrong. The fighting needs to stop, there needs to be a ceasefire, there needs to be aid let into that country so people can get fed and the hostages need to be released.”

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She was also asked about plans to change the triple lock, which would remove the requirement for UN backing before more than 12 Irish soldiers can be sent abroad.

In response, she said, “That is legislation that is currently going through the Dáil.

“I absolutely believe and support our neutrality as a country, it has served us well.

“But in terms of the triple lock, I have to say that when I think that Russia and China have a veto on what we can do in this country, I do believe that that does need to be addressed.

“We are in an independent country and we are well able to make our own decisions.”

She said she would spend the six weeks between now and the election campaigning and asking voters to give her their trust and support.

Includes reporting by Press Association

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