Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys calls to Laois for votes

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys got a friendly welcome in Portlaoise when she came to canvass for votes on Thursday morning, September 25.

She is the first of the three candidates to formally come to Laois seeking public support, the others being Labour’s Catherine Connelly and Fianna Fáil’s candidate Jim Gavin. 

The retired TD first called to Portlaoise library which she had officially opened in 2023 while serving as Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Arriving bang on time she met and chatted at length with staff and customers. She then called into shops on the busy lower Main Street, lastly stopping at Portlaoise Train Station.

Heather Humphreys with Laois Fine Gael supporters at Portlaoise train station on September 25. Photo: Leinster Express

The candidate stopped to chat with more local people on the streets, handing over her leaflets and asking if they wouldn’t mind giving support.

The Portlaoise reception was a warm one, with only praise and best wishes given to Fine Gael’s candidate.

Pharmacist Deirdre Hughes told her “you’re looking great, you're brilliant”. 

Geraldine Tynan from Camross told her that “I hope by getting you in we’ll be teaching the world about tolerance and the value of all shades of faith”.

John Fitzgerald from Mountmellick said “I wish you the best of luck and all my family and friends will be voting for you”.

See Photo gallery of Heather Humprey's visit to Laois here.

Laois Fine Gael members were on hand to show support, including TD Willie Aird and Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, Cllr Vivienne Phelan, Cllr Paddy Buggy and retired councillor Mary Sweeney who used to work in Portlaoise library.

Ms Humphreys spoke there to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

She addressed the question of whether attracting an urban vote will be a challenge given her rural background.

“When I was Minister for Rural Development I did a lot of work in urban areas as well, particularly around the inner city. I was in a number of different clubs in Dublin and I supported them.

To be fair, when you look at my record as Minister for Social Protection, I rolled out the school meals to every primary school in the country, urban and rural. It did benefit families hugely. They knew their children were getting a stable hot dinner during the day.

“I’ve been to many different areas of towns and cities and I look forward to getting out and about and meeting as many people as I can,” she said.

With Maria Steen failing to get enough support to run in the race, we asked if she will be a voice for more conservative voters.

“Well I want to be a voice for everybody. I really feel that the job of the president can be a very unifying force within this country. Unifying in terms of divisions we have right across our society. We see it in the world. We live in a very divisive world. I feel the president can have a role in bringing people together. In creating a deeper understanding. We’re in this library here, what better place to see how new communities come here. There’s a special integration policy here, people are welcomed and told what to expect in the town. That all helps with integration in communities. It’s about breaking down those barriers.

Finally Ms Humphreys gave her reasons why Laois people should choose her.

“I want to be the president that represents everybody. A president that can support communities, and recognise the huge work that volunteers are doing throughout this county. I want to see people coming together. Where there’s division I want to bring unity. That also applies on a cross border basis.

“The third thing I want to do is regarding opportunity. I want to get young people involved. I want to them to see this country as a country of opportunity where they can fulfil their full potential. I want to put a focus on that as well. 

Heather Humpreys with Marion Carton optician and Michelle Cullen assistant. Photos: Leinster Express

“This isn’t my first time to Laois, I’ve been here on many occasions. I was here to open this beautiful library. I’ve been in Mountmellick where I opened an arts centre, I was in Portarlington where there was a town redevelopment project that I visited. I’ve been in Timahoe as well where I also visited projects. It’s lovely to be back. I really do hope that the people of Laois see their way to supporting me. 

She had retired from politics last October in a shock announcement, citing a decline in energy levels. 

“I’ve had a long rest now and I’m in good shape,” she said in Portlaoise.

From the Presbyterian community, Heather Humpreys was first elected as a councillor in Monaghan 21 years ago.

“I never thought then that I would be contesting a presidential election. But I’ve been very fortunate. Every time I went for election at the local authority I got elected and then in 2011 I got elected to the Dáil and again in 2016 and in 2020. So I enjoyed every minute of what I did. In the middle of all that I was also the manager of a Credit Union until 2011. I’ve always been part of the community. I’ve always been working with people and I really do enjoy meeting people and chatting to them. I do enjoy solving and dealing with the issues they had as a TD and I do think that was important.

Read also: PICTURES: Presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly visits Laois

“Of course the presidency is a different role, it’s above politics and if I get the opportunity, and I’m humbling asking people to vote for me, I will give that job absolutely everything, and I know I will enjoy it,” Heather Humphreys said.

The Presidential election following the retirement of Michael D Higgins, takes place on October 24.