Independent TD and Minister Michael Healy Rae has signed the nomination papers for presidential hopeful Maria Steen, while declaring that his “100% support” in the race is for Heather Humphreys.
In a statement issued today, the Kerry Minister said he wanted to ensure voters had a “fair and full choice” when they go to the polls, but stressed that his personal backing is firmly with Humphreys, the Fine Gael candidate.
“In 2011, I was approached by Sinn Féin to sign the nomination papers for Martin McGuinness,” he said.
“At the time, I made it very clear publicly that while I was prepared to sign to allow him the opportunity to go before the people, I would not be voting for him.”
Healy Rae said he was taking the same approach now in signing Steen’s papers.
“Today, I have decided to sign the nomination papers for Maria Steen,” he said.
“In the same spirit of fairness and respect for the democratic process, I will be giving her the opportunity to contest the election.”
However, he underlined that his preference is with Humphreys.
“I want to be absolutely clear, my support in this election is firmly with Heather Humphreys,” he said.
“I believe she is the right person to be the next President of Ireland and I am 100% backing her campaign.”
The Minister emphasised that signing a nomination paper should not be taken as an endorsement of a candidate.
“Signing a nomination paper is not a signal of electoral support,” he said.
“It is simply ensuring that the people of Ireland are given a fair and full choice when they go to the polls. That is the foundation of democracy, and it is something I will always stand by.”
Healy Rae also shared his remarks online, writing in a post: “Democracy is about giving people the chance to decide. But I’m clear on who I would like to see as the next President of Ireland.”
He had previously said that he would not be signing nominations for any candidate as he believed they lacked sufficient political experience to be President.
Steen, a barrister and conservative commentator, has been seeking the support of Oireachtas members in recent weeks to secure a place on the ballot. As reported by Gript earlier this week, she has the backing of 10 TDs and Senators but has yet to reach the required 20.
Steen’s path to a nomination remains narrow, though she has made more progress among parliamentarians than other hopefuls, such as Gareth Sheridan and Nick Delehanty, who have focused on local authorities. Sheridan has secured the support of two councils, bringing him halfway to a nomination, while Delehanty has not yet received backing from either TDs, Senators, or councils.
Candidates require either the support of 20 Oireachtas members or the endorsement of four county or city councils to formally enter the race.