A new poll suggests former Minister Heather Humphreys is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Mairead McGuinness as Fine Gael’s presidential candidate.
She says consideration is being given to launching a campaign.
Heather Humphreys is 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's “humbled” by the encouragement she’s received, and is actively consulting with close allies before making a final decision.
Sources say she’s the preferred choice of Tánaiste Simon Harris, with senior ministers ready to publicly back her once she declares.
A new Ireland Thinks poll puts Humphreys ahead of the pack at 19 percent, 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 percent each.
