Humphreys had ‘no role’ in whipping councillors to block independents

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys has said she had “no role” in whipping Fine Gael councillors to block independent candidates seeking a nomination through local authorities.

To be eligible to run for the election on October 24, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Several independents have expressed an interest in securing a nomination through the local authority process – but this will be difficult without the support of Government councillors.

Fine Gael has directed its councillors not to facilitate the nomination of anyone other than Ms Humphreys.

Asked on Thursday if she supported that order, Ms Humphreys said: “That’s the party’s national executive that decided that, and that’s the stance on candidates seeking council support.

“I had no role in that, and my focus is on my campaign and my pitch to voters around the country.”

She added: “I’m a former councillor myself, and I have to say I’m very encouraged by the support I’m getting from the Fine Gael councillors ad indeed, councillors from across different parties and independent councillors.”

Speaking to Ocean FM, Ms Humphreys said: “There’s a process here to get on on the ballot paper for the presidential election and, look, it’s up to people to go ahead and talk to people and see can they get on it.

“I have no problem with that at all. But look the Fine Gael national executive made that decision – I had no role in it.”