Sean Kelly and Heather Humphreys look set to battle it out to be Fine Gael's candidate for the country's next President.
They will seek the party's approval after it opened a two week nomination process.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show on Northern Sound, Ms Humphreys said she has "decided to go for it", having originally ruled herself out of the race three months ago.
It follows the shock announcement by Mairead McGuinness last week that she would now not run for Fine Gael due to health reasons. The former Cavan-Monaghan TD ruled out a bid for the Aras back at the end of May following a period of time considering the prospect of putting her name in the hat for the job.
She announced last October that she would leave politics to enjoy her retirement and spend more time with her family and friends but she has always been linked to a bid at the presidential race even when she was a minister prior to quitting political life.
Now after a number of days of uncertainty, the local woman has decided to put her name forward for the top job. Ms Humphreys told the Joe Finnegan Show that she was "a bit burnt out" last autumn when she announced she would not run in the general election.
She said she had been a cabinet minister at that point for ten years, and her tank was "probably running on empty". The former Cavan Monaghan TD says the "tank is full again" and she is ready for the "challenge".
"Last autumn, I knew the tank was probably running on empty. So I've been enjoying life since I retired from the job. The family are well, I'm well, I feel like I'm back to my old self. And I've said to myself more than once, you know, you could do a bit more Heather. And I was talking to someone who knows me very well at the weekend, and they said to me, Heather, you're out digging and you're working in the garden every day, your energy levels don't seem to be a problem. So really, I've had a good rest. The tank is full again. And you know, timing is a funny thing, because I have never felt as good about taking on a challenge.”
The 65-year old Co Monaghan woman said if elected to the Aras she would be a president of unity that would be about bringing people and communities together. "First and foremost, the role of president, it's set out in our Constitution, and I would fulfill that constitutional duty with diligence. I think in past campaigns, there's a lot of focus on issues which aren't actually within the President's control. So I hope that we can have a good factual debate about what you can actually do from the Office of the President.
"We're living in a in an increasingly divisive world, and I believe that the President can be a unifying force in this country that really brings people together and throughout my political career, I have always sought to break down barriers and reach out that hand of friendship.
"I want to focus on using the presidency to listen to people. I want to hear their story and where there is division, try and facilitate reconciliation and understanding and I do want to deepen relationships between the people of this island, both north and south. I do believe that the President can make communities feel valued, and I would genuinely work every day to highlight the importance of community and citizenship and I want to be a president that represents a modern and outward looking Ireland with pride on the international stage.
Philip Kelly says he is delighted to see the "Queen of Co Monaghan" putting her name forward for the Aras. He says, "I wish both Sean and Heather the very best, you can see where my loyalties lie being from Co Monaghan." The local man who is on the national executive of Fine Gael says "Heather is popular up and down the country, there isn't many politicians are personal as Heather, she knows everyone's first name."
Minister Michael Healy Rae confirmed to Northern Sound today that he told Ms Humphreys about 18 months ago that she should put her name forward for the job. He said she would make a wonderful president of Ireland. I do believe if Heather is chosen she would make a excellent President, she is the person chosen along time ago and if you knew me at all I don't change my mind or I don't flip flop so if you were a betting person, I feel putting some money on her to be the next President of Ireland would be a very good shout. "
Now with Heather Humphreys and MEP Seán Kelly having both confirmed they will seek the Fine Gael nomination, a contest is now very likely. Ms Humphreys said that she wished Mr Kelly the best of luck, adding that at the end of the day, may the best person win.
