Heather Humphreys has promised to learn Irish if elected President.
Yesterday, the former Minister and Cavan-Monaghan TD was officially confirmed as Fine Gael’s candidate in next month’s election.
The only other candidate in the race so far, Catherine Connolly, is a fluent gaeilgeoir, having served as the chair of the Oireachtas Coiste na Gaeilge and a TD for Galway West.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Ms Humphreys confirmed she speaks a cúpla focal but vowed to improve if elected next month.
“I learned Irish at school, I passed Irish in my Leaving Cert and like a lot of people in this country, I went out to the world of work and didn’t use Irish,” she explained.
“But I have been back to the Gaeltacht in 2017 when I was Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
“I found that it was coming back to me and I promise that if I am elected as President that I will return to the Gaeltacht and I will learn Irish.”
Heather Humphreys leaving Dublin Castle after a Cabinet meeting. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNewsMs Humphreys retired from frontline politics at last year’s General Election, citing burnout as a reason not to stand again.
However, after Mairead McGuinness pulled out as Fine Gael’s candidate on health grounds, she threw her hat into the ring.
“I want to be a President because I believe it’s a role that unites people, a role that brings people together, that listens, supports and represents all of us on this island - no matter where we come from or what our background is,” she explained.
“We’re living in a very divisive world and I believe the President can be a unifying force in this country who brings this country together and I’ve always sought to break down barriers and reach out the hand of friendship.
“I want to focus on using the Presidency to listen to people, to hear their story and where there is division, to try to facilitate reconciliation and understanding.”
Heather Humphreys at an event to mark the 1916 Rising. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieMs Humphreys added that she was “very proud” as a Minister to lead the 1916 centenary commemorations and “that sense of bringing people together” would be at the heart of her presidency.
She noted she has a Presbyterian background and vowed to be a President “for all the peoples on this island”.
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“I was reared on a farm about six miles from Northern Ireland,” she said.
“So, I understand what it’s like to live on the border.
“Indeed, I often look back and think about what it was like in 1921 when the border was formed.
“Catholics went to sleep as Irish and woke up as British citizens and what was it like for Protestants who went to sleep as British and they woke up as Irish citizens?
“So, I really do have a deep understanding of their very real concerns and how many felt abandoned on both sides of the border.”
An interfaith service at the Remembrance Walls at Glasnevin Cemetery. Picture by: Photo: RollingNews.ieMs Humphreys described herself as a “proud republican”, but added that peace across the island is “something we still have to work on”.
“I do feel I am uniquely placed to reach out to communities in Northern Ireland and build on the good work in already done in breaking down barriers and building trust,” she said.
“It’s only when we have a united people that I believe we can have a united Ireland.”
The Presidential Election will be held on 24th October and the inauguration will take place on 11th November.
Main image: Heather Humphreys. Picture by: Alamy.com.
