Senator Manus Boyle 'disappointed' as he extends congratulations to Connolly

Senator Manus Boyle said he wished Catherine Connolly well in her role as President of Ireland. 

The Fine Gael senator was speaking at the Donegal count centre in the Aura Centre, Letterkenny following news that his party’s candidate Heather Humphreys had conceded defeat. 

“The people have spoken and we go with that,” he told “I’ve met Catherine several times myself and she is a very nice woman and best of luck to her. 

“The people of Donegal and the people of Ireland have spoken. That’s what democracy is all about.”

When asked if Heather Humphreys was the right choice of candidate for Fine Gael, Senator Boyle said: “We all know that Mairead was the one to go but due to health reasons she had to pull out and Heather was a very good candidate. 

“She has been very good to Donegal. She has delivered a lot to every wee town in rural Donegal. It’s disappointing I must say, but that’s politics.

“I wish Catherine well. She is a very nice person. I wish her all the best and she will be a very good president.”

So what is next for Heather Humphreys?

“Senator Boyle said: “Heather is retired but she will still have a part to play in the party. 

“Heather is one of the most genuine people you would ever meet. She was always very good to the people and to the local councillors, but democracy is democracy and the people have spoken.”

He thanked the Donegal voters who supported Heather Humphreys. 

“Heather received a very warm welcome on her visit last week to Ballyshannon and KIllaghtee,” said the senator. “She did say that it was one of the highlights of her campaign. Killaghtee was her final one, and she did say, ‘that’s the one I’ll remember,’ and Heather is like that, she’s a real people person. 

“She’ll have a bit of time now to spend with her new grandchild who is only four weeks old.”