The worst kept secret in the room?

‘I will make a decision in May or June’ - Humphreys on Presidency

While words of thanks and accolades were plentiful at Heather’s retirement at the Errigal Country House, so too were hints she may yet put a bid for the presidency.

The presidential election must take place on or up to 60 days before November 11 this year.

The newly elected President, whomever it may be, will take up office the following day.

Crowds gathered in Cootehill last week to celebrate Heather’s career and retirement. However a well placed ‘Welcome Back’ sign at the speakers’ podium set chin-wagging to the contrary.

Even some of the speakers appeared to be leading those gathered down the path to Áras an Uachtaráin.

“It’s a night for celebration, it’s a night for reminiscing and possibly in a few months’ time a night that could take us to Dublin on another journey,” hinted Constituency Chairperson, Philip Kelly, opening the event.

The night, which truly honoured the Monaghan woman’s career, ebbed and flowed between comedy and sincerity, with her husband Eric’s pyjamas mentioned, as well as Callan’s Kicks, where she became a “household name”.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan shared how he was on the receiving end of ridicule for wearing a blue tie as opposed to an orange one. He too wondered if the sign was related to the gathering or a potential future campaign launch.

“The front of the podium says ‘welcome back’, so I don’t know whether this is a going away party for her or a launch of another campaign.”

Based on his knowledge as former Minister for the Office of Public Works, he addressed Heather’s husband Eric, saying there is “plenty of grazing in the Pheonix Park for the finest of cattle”, drawing plenty of laughter.

Calling on Tánaiste Simon Harris to speak, Constituency Chair Philip Kelly alluded to the fact that he will be Taoiseach again in two years, and will be “possibly going to the Áras to meet our president”.

“I think I might have been brought here on false pretences, I thought I was coming to a retirement do,” the Tánaiste responded jokingly.

After a heartfelt speech outlining Heather’s legacy and the impact she has left on the country, Mr Kelly boldly went a step further.

When welcoming the former Minister “for nearly everything” to the stage he addressed the elephant in the room, splurging that she was also “possibly future president of Ireland!”.

Meanwhile, in her own speech, Heather herself remained tight lipped on the subject.

She told those gathered her husband Eric was “adjusting very well” to her retirement.

“I’ll tell you why, he’s getting the dinner cooked for him far more often than he used to,” she laughed.

“So there you go and you’re all wondering what I’m going to be doing.”

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Heather said she was attending a retirement party, which was kindly held for her.

“Look I’m taking a break, I’m being very clear. I’m taking a break away,” she reiterated.

Asked on her thoughts of running for presidency, she said she plans to “clear” her head.

“I will make a decision in May or June,” she said. “Retirement is fantastic, I love it. I have more time to do the things I want to do and, what I don’t get done today, I do tomorrow; so there’s no panic on anything and I really am enjoying it.”

Also speaking to the Celt on the topic of presidency, the Tánaiste said as party leader he has to remain “boringly neutral”.

“I have asked our executive council about a process next month to outline how we might select our candidate.

“Whatever Heather decides to do she’s brilliant, she’s a legend, she’s clearly extraordinarily popular not just here in Cavan and Monaghan but right across the country.”

So would she make a good candidate if she were to run, the Celt probed.

“Heather’s good at anything she turns her mind to,” he affirmed.