‘I love this country and I believe in our communities’

Op-Ed by Heather Humphreys

I am humbly asking the people of Ireland to vote for me as Uachtarán na hÉireann. I love this country and I believe in its people – in our communities, our shared strength, and the opportunity that exists in every corner of this island. These three values of community, unity and opportunity have shaped me as a person and, if elected, I would take them to the role of president.

I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. My third grandchild was born just five weeks ago. In the rare quiet moments of the last few weeks, I hold baby James and think about what kind of Ireland I would like for him and all the other children as they grow up. I want it to be a country that reflects the best of who we are: compassionate, hardworking, and inclusive. I want it to be a country where everyone can have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I have been a credit union manager, where I helped people overcome the challenges they faced. And I have been a local councillor, a TD and a minister. Supporting our communities, families and businesses has always been at the heart of my work and I want to honour and celebrate unsung heroes like community volunteers.

I want to be a unifying voice. I will break down barriers and reach out the hand of friendship to bring people together across our island.

I want to represent Ireland with pride on the world stage; culturally, diplomatically, and to open doors for Irish businesses overseas.

I have led trade missions across the world in my role as minister for business and I know what it takes to open up investment and job opportunities for Irish companies. Presidential-led trade missions can mean increased access and influence and I have committed to making them a major focus of my presidency.

I also know that our culture and heritage are our calling cards overseas and I would work hard to represent Ireland abroad and to highlight our artists, musician and performers.

I believe the people of Ireland deserve a president who is experienced. I served in cabinet for a decade, in a range of government departments and I believe I am unique in this presidential campaign in having a record of delivering for people all across Ireland.

I worked hard to protect businesses and jobs as minister for business through Brexit and the pandemic. I know how to handle a crisis.

As minister for culture, I led the 1916 Centenary Commemorations which brought people together and instilled a real sense of national pride.

As minister for social protection, I was responsible for rolling out supports to help people, particularly pensioners and older people.

I expanded the fuel allowance. A new companion pass for all over 70s that I introduced has just taken effect, which will mean any person over 70 can bring a friend or relative with them on the bus or train for free.

I rolled out the Hot School Meals Programme to primary schools across the country. I expanded the Child Benefit scheme so that children who are 18 and still in education can continue to receive that payment.

As minister for rural and community development, I supported communities across the country whether GAA clubs or community halls.

All my life, I have brought people together. Given my unique background, a proud Irish republican and a border county Presbyterian, I believe I am best placed to reach out the friendship to all communities and to facilitate the conversations needed to build on the peace we have on the island.

During my recent visit to Northern Ireland women told me, ‘yes, we have peace, Heather, but there is still division’. I want to build on the work of President Mary McAleese and continue to build bridges. Brexit was the biggest threat in 50 years to the peace process and the economy and I did my bit as a minster to protect Irish interests through that process.

I am putting myself before the people as a centre ground, common sense, pro-European candidate. The presidency is above party politics and I am asking you to place your trust in me on Friday October 24. I do not promise perfection. But I do promise honesty, integrity and service.