Heather Humphreys today officially launched her candidacy to be President of Ireland at a packed campaign rally at the Peace Campus in her home county of Monaghan.
The Peace Campus is a shared space for people in the border region to bring people together and address issues of separation and division. The themes of working with communities; building bridges and reaching out the hand of friendship will be central to Heather’s campaign over the coming weeks.
The launch event was addressed by a series of independent speakers from the world of sport, business, academia and rural Ireland endorsing Heather’s candidacy for the Presidency. Speakers included: Julie Sinnamon, Former CEO of Enterprise Ireland; Mary Daly, Professor Emeritus in Irish History at University College Dublin; Aogán Ó Fearghail, Former President of the GAA and; Joe Healy, Former President of the IFA.
Speaking at the Launch in Monaghan, Heather said:
“This is my home, I grew up here and I’ve lived here all my life. This county and its stony grey soil have shaped me as a person.”
Asking voters across Ireland for their support on October 24th, Heather said, “The President represents our values and our hopes as a country – not simply those from any one political tradition or set of beliefs – but all of our hopes.
“I put myself forward conscious of those who have served with such distinction before me and I do not pretend to be perfect.
“I want to bring my life experience and the values that have shaped me as a person to the office of the President.”
Heather highlighted the three pillars of her campaign reflecting her vision for the presidency and her record of public service.
Community: “As President, I want to honour and celebrate the unsung heroes, the volunteers in our communities whether it’s the Tidy Towns, the GAA, the Men’s Sheds, our many great Women’s Organisations; our Youth Clubs, and many, many more. My mission will be not just be to take people to Áras an Uachtarain but to take the Áras to the people.”
Unity: “Throughout my life I have always sought to break down barriers and reach out the hand of friendship. I want to focus on using the presidency to listen to people, hear their story and where there is division try and facilitate reconciliation and understanding.”
Opportunity: “I believe every citizen should have the opportunity to achieve their true potential. I’ve seen what people can achieve when they’re given a fair chance.
My own story is living proof that regardless of your background, Ireland is a country of opportunity. As President, I want every child growing up on this island to know there are no limits to what you can achieve.”
Heather will spend the next six weeks asking voters to trust her and give her their support in the Presidential Election on October 24th.
An Tánaiste, Simon Harris, also addressed the launch:
“For Heather Humphreys, her story, as a politician, and indeed as a person, is all about connections.
“Connecting communities the length and breadth of the country, bringing them together, making them feel welcome, supported and included.
“She still burns with that same passion to help and serve our nation and make a difference.”
