Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as Fine Gael’s presidential candidate, following Seán Kelly’s decision on Monday to withdraw from the selection process.
The former rural affairs minister had been endorsed by most of the party’s front bench.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has been confirmed as the director of elections for Humphreys, who is steeped in farming.
She is from a farm, married to farmer Eric Humphreys, is the sister of former IFA regional chair Bert Stewart and was elected to Monaghan County Council to succeed former farm leader Seymour Crawford.
Meanwhile, MEP Billy Kelleher is pursuing the Fianna Fáil nomination.
Kelleher was a dairy farmer prior to entering politics, and still retains an interest in the home farm at White’s Cross near Cork city. It seems he faces an uphill struggle, with former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin having received the endorsement of party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin among others.
It is understood that Kelleher has enough support to contest a vote by Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party, which will take place next Tuesday. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is understood to be struggling to gain a support among TDs and senators to be part of that contest.
Billy Kelleher, MEP speaking during the ANC discussion group on farm meeting concerning nitrates derogation on the farm of Tony and Stephen Kenny, Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary. \ Donal O' Leary
A wide range of people are looking for a way onto the presidential election ballot, among them the freshly-declared Joanna Donnelly, the former weather forecaster.
Bob Geldof, the Boomtown Rats singer who organised Live Aid 40 years ago this summer, is also considering a run. Conservative activist Maria Steen has been endorsed by independent TD Carol Nolan.
The election takes place on 24 October, nominations must be in by 24 September.
Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as Fine Gael’s presidential candidate, following Seán Kelly’s decision on Monday to withdraw from the selection process.
The former rural affairs minister had been endorsed by most of the party’s front bench.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has been confirmed as the director of elections for Humphreys, who is steeped in farming.
She is from a farm, married to farmer Eric Humphreys, is the sister of former IFA regional chair Bert Stewart and was elected to Monaghan County Council to succeed former farm leader Seymour Crawford.
Meanwhile, MEP Billy Kelleher is pursuing the Fianna Fáil nomination.
Kelleher was a dairy farmer prior to entering politics, and still retains an interest in the home farm at White’s Cross near Cork city. It seems he faces an uphill struggle, with former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin having received the endorsement of party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin among others.
It is understood that Kelleher has enough support to contest a vote by Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party, which will take place next Tuesday. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is understood to be struggling to gain a support among TDs and senators to be part of that contest.
Billy Kelleher, MEP speaking during the ANC discussion group on farm meeting concerning nitrates derogation on the farm of Tony and Stephen Kenny, Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary. \ Donal O' Leary
A wide range of people are looking for a way onto the presidential election ballot, among them the freshly-declared Joanna Donnelly, the former weather forecaster.
Bob Geldof, the Boomtown Rats singer who organised Live Aid 40 years ago this summer, is also considering a run. Conservative activist Maria Steen has been endorsed by independent TD Carol Nolan.
The election takes place on 24 October, nominations must be in by 24 September.
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