Poll: Heather Humphreys favourite for Fine Gael nomination and Áras
James Cox
A new poll suggests former minister Heather Humphreys is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mairead McGuinness as Fine Gael’s presidential candidate.
The poll also found she is the most popular in a list of potential candidates for Áras an Uachtaráin.
Ms Humphreys is believed to be on the brink of entering the presidential race, following days of mounting support from both Fine Gael and Independent TDs.
The former minister told the Sunday Independent she is “humbled” by the encouragement she’s received, and is actively consulting with close allies before making a final decision.
Sources say she is the preferred choice of Tánaiste and party leader Simon Harris, with senior ministers ready to publicly back her once she declares.
Ms Humphreys previously said said she was flattered to be considered before withdrawing her name.
“I want to spend more time with family and friends, and I want to do other things," she said at the time.
There was shock in Fine Gael when Ms Humphreys decided not to contest the most recent general election.
The former Cavan-Monaghan TD is still highly-thought of in the party and sources indicated she would be a strong contender.
A new Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll puts Humphreys ahead of the pack at 19 per cent, just one point ahead of Independent Catherine Connolly.
While neither has declared to run, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern trail with 14 per cent each.
Speaking on Saturday, MEP Seán Kelly indicated he was reconsidering seeking the Fine Gael nomination.
Mr Kelly told Newstalk: "You'll have to definitely reconsider. I didn't look for a nomination the last time, but I'm going to reconsider.
"Fine Gael will have a meeting now and they will decide on their strategy, and then I'll see what I will do after that."
