Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly are united on many aspects of farming and rural issues, as their bid to succeed Michael D Higgins enters the final week ahead of polling day next Friday 24 October.
Speaking to Irish Country Living, former rural affairs minister Heather Humphreys and Independent TD Catherine Connolly believe more needs to be done to support rural communities.
Both candidates acknowledge the struggle posed by succession, with Heather Humphreys having personal experience through her husband, an active farmer. She hopes one of her two daughters will actively farm the family holding into the future. Connolly believes a partnership model of succession is the best way to achieve a balance of protecting older people’s right to continue farming, while encouraging the next generation to pursue their own farm interests.
The issue of migrants settling in rural Ireland is one both women argue needs to be approached from a more compassionate, understanding perspective, with Humphreys stating that immigrant workers are essential to agriculture.
Connolly believes the vast majority of people share her values of solidarity, kindness, and standing with someone who is less well off. She also points out that the Government’s processing of asylum applications needs to be more effective.
The nitrates derogation and the Mercosur trade deal are recognised by both candidates as having huge significance for the future of agriculture.
Connolly says that if elected, she will use her voice as president to reflect farmers’ concerns on the ground, while speaking on the nitrates directive, Humphreys says farming by dates is not the way to go and says the derogation needs a fresh look.
FG Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys at the National Ploughing Championships 2025. \ Philip Doyle
Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly are united on many aspects of farming and rural issues, as their bid to succeed Michael D Higgins enters the final week ahead of polling day next Friday 24 October.
Speaking to Irish Country Living, former rural affairs minister Heather Humphreys and Independent TD Catherine Connolly believe more needs to be done to support rural communities.
Both candidates acknowledge the struggle posed by succession, with Heather Humphreys having personal experience through her husband, an active farmer. She hopes one of her two daughters will actively farm the family holding into the future. Connolly believes a partnership model of succession is the best way to achieve a balance of protecting older people’s right to continue farming, while encouraging the next generation to pursue their own farm interests.
The issue of migrants settling in rural Ireland is one both women argue needs to be approached from a more compassionate, understanding perspective, with Humphreys stating that immigrant workers are essential to agriculture.
Connolly believes the vast majority of people share her values of solidarity, kindness, and standing with someone who is less well off. She also points out that the Government’s processing of asylum applications needs to be more effective.
The nitrates derogation and the Mercosur trade deal are recognised by both candidates as having huge significance for the future of agriculture.
Connolly says that if elected, she will use her voice as president to reflect farmers’ concerns on the ground, while speaking on the nitrates directive, Humphreys says farming by dates is not the way to go and says the derogation needs a fresh look.
FG Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys at the National Ploughing Championships 2025. \ Philip Doyle
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