Who is Heather Humphreys? All about new FG frontrunner for President

Former Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys has officially entered the race for the Presidency of Ireland. Her announcement came during an interview on the Joe Finnegan Show on Northern Sound radio, where she confirmed she will be seeking the party’s nomination.

Her decision follows the surprise withdrawal of early favourite Mairéad McGuinness last week. McGuinness, who had been tipped as the likely candidate, stepped back after a short hospital stay, leaving the Fine Gael ticket wide open.

Not long after Humphreys declared her bid, MEP Sean Kelly also announced his intention to run for the nomination. The party’s internal nomination process closes on September 2, meaning the race is already heating up.

Political Background

Heather Humphreys was born in Monaghan and educated at St. Aidan’s Comprehensive School in Cootehill before attending University College Galway. She later worked at Ulster Bank and managed the Cootehill Credit Union for over a decade.

Her political career began with Monaghan County Council before she was elected as a TD in 2011, representing the Cavan-Monaghan constituency. Over the years, she served as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Minister for Justice, Minister for Rural and Community Development, and Minister for Social Protection.

In 2024, following Simon Coveney’s resignation, Humphreys became deputy leader of Fine Gael. Later that year, however, she stepped away from the Dáil, saying her health and energy levels would not allow her to give full commitment to the job.

Presidency Bid

Now, Humphreys has made a dramatic return by putting herself forward for the Fine Gael nomination in the upcoming Presidential Election. The contest will take place in the coming months, as President Michael D. Higgins nears the end of his second term.

So far, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only confirmed candidate outside Fine Gael. With Humphreys and Kelly in the race, the competition within the party is expected to be intense.

Personal Life

Heather Humphreys lives in Aghabog, County Monaghan, with her husband Eric, a farmer. They have two daughters, Eve and Tara. In 2015, the family went through a frightening experience when Tara was seriously injured in a car accident. She survived a severe head injury and later made a full recovery. Tara is now married and settled in Leitrim.

For many, Humphreys is seen as a strong, experienced, and steady candidate who could become Ireland’s next President.