Presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys has said she was “a bit burnt out” when she stepped back from politics a year ago, but now feels reinvigorated with “plenty of fire in my belly”, reports Breaking News.
The former Minister for Social Protection had announced in October that she would not run in the next general election, citing declining “health and energy levels”.
Speaking on Tuesday at the National Ploughing Championships, where she was canvassing as Fine Gael’s candidate for the presidency, she was asked about those earlier comments, reports Breaking News.
“I felt, maybe I was a bit burnt out, but I’m feeling good now. As I said, the batteries are fully charged. I’ve had loads of time,” she said, reports Breaking News.
“I’m out walking, I’m in the garden and getting … loads of fresh air, and do you know what it is? This is a tough campaign, and if I hadn’t loads of energy, I wouldn’t be taking it on,” reports Breaking News.
When asked what qualifies her to serve as president, Humphreys pointed to her background in public service and personal life experience, including time spent as a credit union manager and minister in multiple departments.
“I have plenty of fire in my belly,” she said, reports Breaking News.
“As president, if I’m fortunate enough to be elected, my theme is community, it’s unity and it’s opportunity, supporting communities, bringing people together, and encouraging young people to grasp the opportunities. This country has made me what I am. It has given me everything I have. And I think I am a good example of somebody who comes from a working farm to represent people. And I can talk to them. I can relate to them,” reports Breaking News.
She was also questioned about her past attendance at an Orange Lodge-related event in Drum, Co Monaghan.
“First of all, the event in Drum is not an Orange Parade. Just to be very clear, the event in Drum is called ‘Drum Picnic’. Now it is a community gathering. There are many people who go to it cross-community. There’s bands that go to it, and it’s a lovely evening out,” reports Breaking News.
“In fact, a Sinn Féin councillor came to it, Eamon O Cuiv came to it back in 2009 and I have to say, the people were absolutely delighted to see him there, and acknowledged how important it was that he did come there, the (grand)son of de Valera,” reports Breaking News.
She said the last time she attended was in 2015.
“I didn’t get last year or this year, because I don’t know, I was busy, it just depends. If I’m around, I definitely go to it. It’s a lovely evening, and you would enjoy it because the bands play music, and actually the same bands that play at the picnic in Drum also play at the St Patrick’s Day event in Cootehill and in Monaghan,” reports Breaking News.
When asked whether she would speak out against the government if elected president, Humphreys said she would.
“If the people are good enough to elect me, and they put their trust in me to become president, I will speak up for them. I’ve never been afraid to speak up for people, and I will certainly do that. But I will also respect the constitution, and I worked within my constitutional role as a president,” reports Breaking News.
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