Overview

• Heather Humphreys formally launched a six‑week campaign built on community, unity and opportunity, pledging to use the presidency to facilitate reconciliation and understanding.
• She called the situation in Gaza “absolutely horrific,” urging a ceasefire, humanitarian access for civilians, and the release of hostages while praising President Michael D. Higgins for speaking out.
• Humphreys affirmed support for Irish neutrality but backed changing the triple lock on overseas troop deployments, arguing UN vetoes by Russia and China should not determine Irish decisions.
• Positioning herself as a cross‑community bridge‑builder, she said she would vote for Irish unity in any future referendum and highlighted outreach to unionist communities, noting childhood attendance at Orange Order parades.
• A Business Post/RED C poll places her on 22% first preferences ahead of Jim Gavin on 18% and Catherine Connolly on 17%, with 36% undecided; Sinn Féin has yet to decide on a candidate and the election is set for 24 October.