Heather Humphreys giving Irish presidency run 'very serious consideration'
This comes just one day after MEP Sean Kelly declared that he too was 'reconsidering' running for President of Ireland
Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys has finally confirmed that she is giving the Irish Presidential Election "very serious consideration" amid the withdrawal of her party's candidate.
Former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael member Mairead McGuinness was forced to pull out of her bid for President of Ireland this past week. The decision was made due to medical advice after a stay in hospital.
In an interview with the Sunday Independent on August 16, Heather Humphreys said she has been in contact with Ms McGuinness and wished her a full recovery.
Following the announcement that Fine Gael's candidate for president had withdrawn, fingers were pointed at Humphreys and MEP Sean Kelly, with many wondering if either of the two will secure a nomination.
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In the days after the news broke, Ms Humphreys said she was "very humbled" by the support she has received inside and outside of Fine Gael. This is in regards to a potential bid for the Áras.
The former Minister for Social Protection told the Sunday Independent: “To tell you the truth, I’m giving a run very serious consideration. I’m using my time to speak to the people I trust and the people who know me best, both inside and outside politics, before I make a final decision.”
This comes just one day after MEP Sean Kelly declared on Newstalk's Anton Savage Show that he too was "reconsidering" running for President of Ireland amid Mairead McGuinness' departure from the election.
It has been reported that Humphreys spent the weekend strategising on what her campaign would look like and it is understood that she is the preferred candidate of Tánaiste Simon Harris, according to the Independent.
The Irish Presidential Election must take place on or before November 11 of this year. Independent TD Catherine Connolly announced in July that she had secured the support of her colleagues and will run for office of Uachtarán na hÉireann.