Sectarian abuse shocks Humphreys

It was meant to be a contest about vision, and ideas for Ireland heading into the next decade. Instead, for Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys, it became a campaign marked by something much darker.

“I had never experienced anything like it,” she said quietly at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, moments after conceding to presidential election rival, Independent Catherine Connolly.

“There was a lot of online sectarian abuse. It was hurtful - especially for my family. I genuinely thought we had moved on as a country.”

The words land with a weight of deep sadness.

For Humphreys, a Presbyterian, her campaign got immediately mired in a debate over her husband's past involvement with the Orange Order.

There were articles written too referencing toasters placed in cupboards, and conflations between her tradition and a weak grasp of the Irish language.

“The moment religion enters the discussion, it takes away from the substance of the campaign,” believes Deputy David Maxwell TD, who replaced Humphreys in the Dáil. He's also proudly Protestant.

“It’s just not right,” he told the Celt, noting that Humphrey's husband Eric, a “quiet farmer”, is one of the “nicest men you could meet".

Cavan councillor Trevor Smith is particularly critical of how Fine Gael handled the issue as a party.

“Fine Gael should’ve seized that moment,” he says. “They should have embraced the fact that our first president, Erskine Childers, was a Protestant. Instead of shying away from it, they could have used it as a way to show that Heather had something unique to offer.”

Humphreys herself believes, given what occurred, and the vitriol directed towards her, that “clearly, there’s more work to be done. I’ve always represented everybody - whether helping a GAA club with a grant or supporting a local church hall. I’ve treated everyone with respect.”

Divisions

This election was never going to be an easy climb. The tide appeared against her: a restless electorate, 14 years of government fatigue, and a formidable opponent in Connolly.

Beyond the bruises of the campaign now though lies a larger question- one that surfaced repeatedly throughout the race.

She's asked about the prospect of a United Ireland. Humphreys is less sure now than she was before when asked.

“There’s a significant Unionist population in Northern Ireland, and I’ve heard from people asking, 'What chance have we?' when that kind of commentary enters political discourse. We need to deepen understanding,” she said, presenting an open invite to anyone interested in attending Drum picnic next year in the hope it might repair some of the damage done and hurt caused.

Gracious in defeat

Humphreys is however nothing if not gracious in defeat.

“I want to congratulate Catherine Connolly,” she said almost immediately. “We’re fortunate to live in a democracy. She’ll be my president, and I wish her every success.”

Quietly she recalled the last encounter she had with Connolly before an all guns blazing televised debate.

“We agreed that, whatever happened, we’d have a gin and tonic afterward,” she smiled. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Knowing the odds

Humphreys insists she has “absolutely no regrets” on standing for election. She knew the numbers - that Fine Gael had never won a presidential election, and that their last candidate in 2011, Mairead McGuinness, managed just six percent in the polls.

“Politics is about putting your name on the ballot. If you win, you win; if not, it’s rejection. I knew what I was doing, and I’m glad I did it.”

A short ballot paper and the mid-campaign withdrawal of Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin also left voters deflated.

“People were disappointed there were only two names on the ballot,” said Humphreys, in acknowledgment of the high number of spoiled votes. “Maybe the government should consider making it easier for more people to run. But ultimately, the people’s choice is sovereign - that’s democracy.”

Long view

If the national story is Connolly’s triumph, the local one is Humphreys’ won Cavan-Monaghan - proof that all politics does still remains local.

“The people of Cavan and Monaghan really stepped up,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful.”

When asked finally how she fells, Humphreys smiled. “Good,” she said simply. “I’m glad I did it.”