Heather Humphreys is now understood to be the “chosen candidate” of the Fine Gael leadership. 

Last week, former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness announced she was withdrawing from the Presidential Election on health grounds. 

It means Fine Gael is on the hunt for a new candidate, with a consensus emerging behind Ms Humphreys. 

The former Cavan-Monaghan TD is popular with the Fine Gael grassroots and parliamentary party, having served as both a Cabinet Minister and Deputy Leader. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Daily Mail Group Ireland Executive Editor John Lee said that there are no doubts about the views of the party hierarchy. 

“I got a phone call an hour before Mairead McGuinness [withdrew],” he recalled. 

“It was from a senior person in Fine Gael and in that discussion, an hour before it was made public, Heather Humphreys name was mentioned. 

“It struck me then that Heather Humphreys was the chosen candidate of the leadership. 

“It also struck me that conversations must have been had before that announcement last week that Mairead McGuinness was no longer in the race.” 

Heather Humphreys visits the Irish Men’s Shed Association conference in County Cavan. Picture by: PA Wire/PA Images.

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly is reconsidering a bid for the Áras, having previously declined to stand on the grounds that he did not have “the strength to give the campaign my all”.

However, Mr Lee continued that the Fine Gael leadership “don’t want to be messing around” with internal debates. 

“I think Seán Kelly will see that he’s a very good candidate because of his GAA links, if nothing else,” he explained. 

“In every parish around the country, there will be a few people who support him and know him - but the Fine Gael leadership don’t want him.” 

Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Lee added that there would be an “additional complication” because the party would then need to replace Mr Kelly as an MEP. 

“Martin Conway, who has currently got his own troubles with the party, is the first substitute [for replacement MEP],” he said. 

“The second substitute, John Mullins, having tragically died - there is a list provided for replacements.” 

Currently, the only confirmed candidate is Galway West independent Catherine Connolly, who has received the support of the People Before Profit, the Labour Party and the Social Democrats. 

Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil are currently considering their options. 

“There’s significant pressure coming from within the parliamentary party, who are insisting that Fianna Fáil have a candidate,” Mr Lee said. 

“If Fianna Fáil go in the race, Sinn Féin are likely to. 

“But I think what will really push Fianna Fáil into the race, stronger than ever, is a Sinn Féin candidate to emerge. 

“I think the only electable Sinn Féin candidate that they have is Mary Lou McDonald, so there are big decisions to be made in both of those two large parties.” 

Michael D Higgins’ term in office is due to expire on 11th November.

Main image: Simon Harris, Heather Humphreys and Jack Chambers meeting school children. Picture by: Alamy.com.