"It’s about unity": Heather weathers Storm Amy to meet supporters

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Presidential candidate for Fine Gael Heather Humphreys paid a visit to Athlone on Friday (October 3) as she continues her campaign to be elected the tenth President of Ireland.

Humphreys spent her time in Athlone attending an Athlone Chamber luncheon, where she met with local business owners and local councillors Cllr Tom Farrell, Cllr John Dolan, Roscommon Cllr Ruth Conboy and Mullingar's Minister Peter Burke

Weathering the wet and windy conditions brought by Storm Amy, Humphreys continued her visit with a walkabout in Athlone Town Centre, where she greeted staff and customers in Art & Hobby, Pandora, O'Briens, and The Works, and met members of the public who she encouraged to use their vote on polling day, Friday, October 24.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent during her visit, Humphreys said her vision if elected as President would revolve around unity and opportunity in times of division and uncertainty.

"I will be working extremely hard to meet as many people as I can and to put forward my vision for the presidency. And that’s a vision about supporting communities, about recognising volunteers. It’s about bringing unity - unity in a divisive world, unity in a divisive society at times - where we can bring people together and try to break down those barriers, build bridges, particularly with Northern Ireland, and build on the work of the peace process.

"I want to really put a focus on understanding each other, on understanding different cultures and traditions in this country. And finally, my other theme is opportunity. I want young people to realise that this is a country where they can achieve their full potential, where they can get the opportunity to do that.

"I also want to represent Ireland on the world stage, both diplomatically and culturally, and in opening doors for Irish businesses to find new markets so they can export their goods and create more high-quality, high-paid jobs in this country."

The latest homelessness figures released by the Department of Housing showed a total of 67 people remain homeless in Westmeath. When asked how she thinks the housing crisis should be resolved, Humphreys said: "Housing is obviously a huge issue. I know that from talking to people. Of course, government policy decides on housing, as President, I would not have a role in the policy-making process, but I would not be afraid to speak out and raise those issues. Absolutely not.

"I've always spoken up for people, and when I see something that needs to be talked about, that we need to put a focus on, I certainly won’t be afraid to speak up. We want to see more houses built, and if this situation continues, and I hope it doesn’t, I won’t be afraid to speak up on behalf of people who don’t have houses and those that are homeless."

Speaking on the 16 Irish citizens detained after the Gaza Sumud Flotilla was intercepted by the Israeli Navy last Thursday (October 2), Humphreys said: "Yes, these citizens should be released immediately. The government has called for that, and I know that our ambassador is working with them to try and get them back home.

"There would be no need for it if the food was allowed to go into Gaza. There are lorry loads full of food sitting on the border, waiting to get in, so they need to be allowed into Gaza. And what we need in Gaza really is a ceasefire. We need to let the food in and we need to see the hostages released."

Asked about her thoughts on an online campaign encouraging voters to spoil their votes in reaction to the limited number of candidates nominated to run for president, Humphreys said all she believes people should use their vote.

"I think people should use their votes regardless of how they use their votes. People fought in this country to get their vote, women fought to get their vote, so please use your vote regardless of how you vote, but use your vote."

Speaking on the odds of her becoming the next Uachtarán na hÉireann, Humphreys said: "I will take nothing for granted until the votes are counted - then we’ll know who the winner is."