Heather Humphreys is Fine Gael candidate

Heather Humphreys is to contest the Irish presidential election for Fine Gael, the party has announced.

It comes as Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported polling day will be Friday 24 October.

The Minister for Local Government, James Browne, is expected to sign the presidential order to outline both the closing date for nominations and polling day, on Wednesday after an Irish cabinet meeting.

Those seeking to be on the ballot need the backing of either 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.

Confirming Humphreys’ candidacy on Tuesday, Fine Gael said the decision will be ratified on 13 September.

Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) and party leader Simon Harris praised the former Cavan-Monaghan TD as having “all of the attributes to make an extraordinary President”.

“Heather is a woman of integrity, dignity, and heart,” he posted on Instagram.

“I believe Heather can break down barriers and bring people together. Her record in public life has demonstrated that vision of unity and community.”

Humphreys’ confirmation comes after the party’s original candidate, former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, withdrew over health reasons last month.

On Monday, former Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) president Séan Kelly announced he was suspending his bid to seek the Fine Gael candidacy due to a lack of support.

“While I am of the view that a contest would be good and healthy for the party and was looking forward to one, unfortunately, after nearly two weeks of engagement, it is clear to me now that I will not be able to gather the required 20 nominations from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to contest the selection process,” he said.

He added he would be backing Humphreys and pledged his support to help her in the election.

Humphreys, former Cavan-Monaghan TD and Fine Gael’s deputy leader from April to October 2024, has strong links with Northern Ireland and has talked about her unionist connections in the past.

Her grandfather, Robert James Stewart, signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912 in protest at the Home Rule bill which sought to set up a parliament in Dublin.

Announcing her run in August, she said she intended to “deepen relations between the people of this island north and south”.

The president of Ireland acts as the head of state.

It is a largely ceremonial role, representing Ireland at public events at the national and international level.

Only citizens residing in the Republic have the right to vote in presidential elections.

To run for the office, you have to be an Irish citizen and aged over 35.