Humphreys says she was burnt out a year ago but has ‘plenty of fire in my belly’

Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has said she was “a bit burnt out” when she withdrew from political life a year ago, but now has “plenty of fire in my belly”.

The former social protection minister said in October she would not be contesting the general election as her “health and energy levels are not what they were”.

She was asked about these comments as she arrived at the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday to canvas as Fine Gael’s presidential election candidate.

“I felt, maybe I was a bit burnt out, but I’m feeling good now. As I said, the batteries are fully charged. I’ve had loads of time,” she said.

“I’m out walking, I’m in the garden and getting … loads of fresh air, and do you know what it is? This is a tough campaign, and if I hadn’t loads of energy, I wouldn’t be taking it on.”

Asked about what experience she has to make her a suitable president, she said she had life experience, was a credit union manager, and a minister in various departments.

“I have plenty of fire in my belly,” she said.

“As president, if I’m fortunate enough to be elected, my theme is community, it’s unity and it’s opportunity, supporting communities, bringing people together, and encouraging young people to grasp the opportunities.

“This country has made me what I am. It has given me everything I have. And I think I am a good example of somebody who comes from a working farm to represent people. And I can talk to them. I can relate to them.”

She was also asked about the last time she attended an Orange Lodge event in Drum, Co Monaghan.

“First of all, the event in Drum is not an Orange Parade.

“Just to be very clear, the event in Drum is called ‘Drum Picnic’. Now it is a community gathering. There are many people who go to it cross-community. There’s bands that go to it, and it’s a lovely evening out.

“In fact, a Sinn Fein councillor came to it, Eamon O Cuiv came to it back in 2009 and I have to say, the people were absolutely delighted to see him there, and acknowledged how important it was that he did come there, the (grand)son of de Valera.”

She added that she last attended the event in 2015.

“I didn’t get last year or this year, because I don’t know, I was busy, it just depends. If I’m around, I definitely go to it.

“It’s a lovely evening, and you would enjoy it because the bands play music, and actually the same bands that play at the picnic in Drum also play at the St Patrick’s Day event in Cootehill and in Monaghan.”

Asked if she would speak out against the government as president, she said she would.

“If the people are good enough to elect me, and they put their trust in me to become president, I will speak up for them. I’ve never been afraid to speak up for people, and I will certainly do that. But I will also respect the constitution, and I worked within my constitutional role as a president.”