Latest news with #HeatherHumphreys
The Journal
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Journal
Tony Holohan 'will not seek' Áras nomination to avoid 'exposing family to criticism or abuse'
TONY HOLOHAN HAS said he will not seek nominations to run for the presidency. The former chief medical officer said that, after being approached by a number of people asking him to put his name forward, he will not be throwing his hat in the ring. In a statement, Holohan said that while he is able for the 'tough nature' of modern politics, his family isn't. Advertisement 'While a number of different factors have influenced my decision, my overriding consideration has been my wish to protect my family from the kind of personal abuse which is becoming increasingly normalised in Irish politics generally and in presidential elections in particular,' he said. 'I understand the very tough nature of modern politics and while I am more than capable of defending my reputation and the decisions which I have taken, over a long career during challenging times in public service my family is not. 'I cannot now expose them to further distress, criticism or abuse at a time when we are all still rebuilding our lives.' He said he hoped that the upcoming campaigns will involve 'civilised and respectful debate and reflection'. 'We have been well served by the holders of this high office to date, and I wish the next President – whoever he or she may be – every success in the role. They will have my full support,' he concluded. Related Reads Heather Humphreys confirms she is 'seriously considering' seeking Fine Gael nomination for president Presidential campaigning ramping up as potential candidates take stock after McGuinness withdrawal Millionaire Áras hopeful launches presidential campaign in the Shelbourne - here's what he said Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys has confirmed that she is considering running to be the party's nominee in the presidential election. The decision comes in the wake of Mairéad McGuinness, Fine Gael's first choice for the nominee, withdrawing from the race for health reasons after spending time in hospital. The party's executive team will meet tonight to map out its next moves. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
4 hours ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Heather Humphreys gains popularity as potential Fine Gael candidate
Fionnan Sheahan, Irish Independent, discusses the merits of Heather Humphreys becoming Fine Gael's candidate for President.
BreakingNews.ie
a day ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Poll: Heather Humphreys favourite for Fine Gael nomination and Áras
A new poll suggests former minister Heather Humphreys is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mairead McGuinness as Fine Gael's presidential candidate. The poll also found she is the most popular in a list of potential candidates for Áras an Uachtaráin. Advertisement Ms Humphreys is believed to be on the brink of entering the presidential race, following days of mounting support from both Fine Gael and Independent TDs. The former minister told the Sunday Independent she is 'humbled' by the encouragement she's received, and is actively consulting with close allies before making a final decision. Sources say she is the preferred choice of Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris, with senior ministers ready to publicly back her once she declares. Ms Humphreys previously said said she was flattered to be considered before withdrawing her name. Advertisement 'I want to spend more time with family and friends, and I want to do other things," she said at the time. Sources say Heather Humphreys is the preferred choice of Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Images There was shock in Fine Gael when Ms Humphreys decided not to contest the most recent general election. The former Cavan-Monaghan TD is still highly-thought of in the party and sources indicated she would be a strong contender. A new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll puts Humphreys ahead of the pack at 19 per cent, just one point ahead of Independent Catherine Connolly. Ireland Poll: Who would you vote for in the presidential e... Read More While neither has declared to run, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern trail with 14 per cent each. Speaking on Saturday, MEP Seán Kelly indicated he was reconsidering seeking the Fine Gael nomination. Mr Kelly told Newstalk: "You'll have to definitely reconsider. I didn't look for a nomination the last time, but I'm going to reconsider. "Fine Gael will have a meeting now and they will decide on their strategy, and then I'll see what I will do after that."
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Grealish says Humphreys would be excellent president
Independent TD Noel Grealish has said he believes Heather Humphreys would make an excellent president if she were to put her name forward. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said Ms Humphreys is vastly experienced and well regarded by TDs across parties. "Heather was a vastly experienced Minister at cabinet, having served in a number of different portfolios and representing the interests of all Irish people. She was very well regarded by TDs across all political parties and she would appeal to a broad base of voters,' said Minister Grealish. "Heather has an in-depth knowledge of the Constitution and the role of President and she would represent our country with distinction both at home and abroad if she were to be elected as President of Ireland." Yesterday, Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said he would back Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys "wholeheartedly" in the presidential election. He said Ms Humphreys would be an "excellent candidate", after Ms McGuinness' shock withdrawal. Ms Humphreys retired from politics last year saying she wanted to spend time with her family, but it is understood the former Minister is considering her options. In May this year she ruled out a presidential run, saying that while she gave it serious consideration she wished to spend more time with family and friends and pursue other things. Meanwhile, MEP Seán Kelly said he will "most likely reconsider" his possible candidacy in the presidential campaign in light of Mairead McGuinness' withdrawal. It came after former Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald ruled herself out of running for the party in the Presidential Election. The former justice minister said her mind had not changed in the wake of Mairead McGuinness' withdrawal. Ms McGuinness said she was stepping aside due to health concerns. The Fine Gael Executive Council will meet in the next few days to discuss its plans. There is a feeling, however, that the party will nominate another person to run. One former minister said they believed Fine Gael should definitely nominate another candidate, while another said it was "likely, but not certain".
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Healy-Rae backs Heather Humphreys to enter presidential race after shock McGuinness withdrawal
Independent minister Michael Healy-Rae has backed former Fine Gael minister Heather Humphreys to run for President of Ireland. Mr Healy-Rae was speaking as Fine Gael prepared to find another candidate in the wake of Mairead McGuinness 's shock exit from the presidential race, on health grounds. Ms Humphreys, a former minister who did not run in last year's general election, has emerged as a favoured candidate among the Fine Gael parliamentary party. Ms Humphreys said in May that she was not interested in running for President, but there are hopes within her party that she may be open to changing her mind. Mr Healy Rae told RTÉ News on Friday that Ms Humphreys would have a 'broad appeal.' READ MORE 'Quite simply because she's a very well grounded person, what I would call a sound, solid political performer. She'd be an excellent person both nationally and internationally to fly the flag for Ireland. I would consider her a very safe, sound pair of hands,' Mr Healy-Rae said. 'I've seen her during Dáil debates, taking Leaders' Questions and I would consider her to be very professional, very respectful about the way she carries herself, and she would have very broad appeal throughout the country.' Ms Humphreys may have to contest the Fine Gael nomination should she choose to run. Mairead McGuinness was nominated unopposed, but other senior politicians had been linked with a run. [ After Mairead McGuinness dropped out, where do we stand in race for the Áras? Opens in new window ] In July, Fine Gael MEP and former GAA President Seán Kelly ruled himself out and said that deciding not to run for president was the 'most difficult decision' of his political life. Frances Fitzgerald, a former MEP and senior minister, said in April that while she had given it serious consideration she would not be seeking her party's nomination. The Fine Gael Executive Council is expected to meet this weekend to decide its next steps ahead of the presidential election, which is broadly expected to be held in late October. Independent senator Michael McDowell said that he had been contacted by a number of people in the wake of Ms McGuinness's departure from the race asking him to reconsider his decision not to contest the presidency. 'There aren't any circumstances in existence that would make me do it,' he said, adding that he thinks he is 'more useful' outside of Áras an Uachtaráin. Mr McDowell declined to name those approaching him, but said 'you'd be surprised'. 'But it's not Simon Harris or Micheál Martin.'
