Three prominent local politicians are backing Heather Humphreys for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination.
Education Minister Helen McEntee, the party’s Louth TD Paula Butterly and East Meath County Councillor Sharon Tolan, are all supporting the Monaghan woman against her party rival the ex-President of the GAA and Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly from Kerry.
Heather Humprhreys threw her hat in the ring yesterday for the highest office in the land after Ardee woman and ex EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness pulled out of the race for health reasons last week.
She was Minister for Social Protection and Rural Affairs in the last Government and also Deputy leader of the Fine Gael party.
Helen McEntee said: “I will be supporting Heather Humphreys to be Fine Gael candidate for the Presidency. I have worked alongside Heather since 2013, and I know her to be a person of excellent judgement, integrity and conviction. She is a person of compassion with a huge work ethic.
“As President, Heather Humphreys will bring together communities and people in our country. She will be a strong voice for Ireland and for Irish people at home and abroad .She will bring humour, energy and determination to what is a hugely important role.”
Paula Butterly added: “I am delighted to offer my 100% support to Heather as she moves forward with her candidacy as the Fine Gael candidate for the Presidential election.
“She has been a great friend to me and rural communities across the country. But most importantly she knows how to bring people together and understands the importance of community.”
Sharon Tolan said she is delighted Heather is running for the Aras and that she is a formidable woman with an incredible work ethic and all the qualities and skills required to be the next President,
