Humphreys calls Gaza situation ‘horrific’ as she launches presidential bid

The situation in Gaza is “absolutely horrific” and wrong, Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has said.

Launching her campaign in her home county of Monaghan, Ms Humphreys also said she supported Irish neutrality but backed Government plans to change the triple lock.

Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris was among those attending the launch event.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Humphreys paid tribute to outgoing President Michael D Higgins for speaking out about the situation in the Middle East “for the people of Ireland”.

She added: “What is happening in Gaza is absolutely horrific.

“When I look at the television and I see parents carrying their children wrapped in white sheets to bury them.

“I see people who are maimed, I see people who are starving.

“What is going on in Gaza is wrong.”

She added: “The fighting needs to stop, there needs to be a ceasefire, there needs to be aid let into that country so people can get fed and the hostages need to be released.”

Ms Humphreys was also asked about plans to change the triple lock, which would remove the requirement for UN backing before more than 12 Irish soldiers can be sent abroad.

She said: “That is legislation that is currently going through the Dail.

“I absolutely believe and support our neutrality as a country, it has served us well.

“But in terms of the triple lock, I have to say that when I think that Russia and China have a veto on what we can do in this country, I do believe that that does need to be addressed.

“We are in an independent country and we are well able to make our own decisions.”

Delivering a speech earlier at the Monaghan Peace Campus, the Fine Gael candidate said her campaign would be built around the three pillars of community, unity and opportunity.

Ms Humphreys told the event that the president “represents our values and our hopes as a country – not simply those from any one political tradition or set of beliefs – but all of our hope”.

She added: “I put myself forward conscious of those who have served with such distinction before me and I do not pretend to be perfect.

“I want to bring my life experience and the values that have shaped me as a person to the office of the president.”

She said: “Throughout my life I have always sought to break down barriers and reach out the hand of friendship.

“I want to focus on using the presidency to listen to people, hear their story and where there is division try and facilitate reconciliation and understanding.”

She added: “I believe every citizen should have the opportunity to achieve their true potential. I’ve seen what people can achieve when they’re given a fair chance.

“My own story is living proof that regardless of your background, Ireland is a country of opportunity.

“As president, I want every child growing up on this island to know there are no limits to what you can achieve.”

Mr Harris said Ms Humphreys was a “Presbyterian Republican showing us all what true republicanism means”.

He added: “Seeking to unite instead of divide, giving us a shared past instead of a contested one.

“Helping to build a shared future.”

Mr Harris said it was fitting that the launch event was taking place at the Peace Campus close to the border with Northern Ireland.

“I am very conscious that we are just a stone’s throw away from the border between north and south on our island,” he said.

“And on that short journey towards the border, and beyond, you travel through communities that bear the scars of conflict and division.

“Communities, and indeed, families, who lived through a period where at times peace never felt further away.

“It is this very venue – the Monaghan Peace Campus – that symbolises just how far we as a society have come.”

He added: “For Heather Humphreys, her story, as a politician, and indeed as a person, is all about connections.

“Connecting communities the length and breadth of the country, bringing them together, making them feel welcome, supported and included.

“She still burns with that same passion to help and serve our nation and make a difference.”

There were a number of speeches in support of Ms Humphreys at the event including from Joe Healy, former president of the IFA; Aogan O Fearghail, former president of the GAA; and Julie Sinnamon, the former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland.

She described Ms Humphreys as a “bridge-builder and peacemaker”.

The presidential election will be held on Friday October 24.

Former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin is the Fianna Fail candidate, while independent candidate Catherine Connolly has secured the backing of a number of smaller parties.

Sinn Fein has not yet decided if it will run a candidate in the election.