Michael Healy-Rae nominates Maria Steen for presidential election

James Cox

Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has said he will nominate Maria Steen to contest the presidential election.

The Kerry TD's nomination provides a significant boost to the Independent candidate.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has been supporting Ms Steen, and said on Thursday that she has the backing of 11 Oireachtas members. Mr Healy-Rae's support would bring the number to 12.

Candidates need the support of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities to get on the ballot paper for next month’s election.

Ms Steen has been pursuing both avenues, but is yet to get the support of a local authority, so the Oireachtas route is more viable for her.

Mr Healy-Rae said his support is "100 per cent" for Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys.

However, he said he would nominate Ms Steen to support the "foundation of democracy".

He said he made a similar move in 2011 when he was approached by Sinn Féin to nominate Martin McGuinness, despite not voting for him.

In a statement, Mr Healy-Rae said: "In 2011, I was approached by Sinn Féin to sign the nomination papers for Martin McGuinness. At the time, I made it very clear publicly that while I was prepared to sign to allow him the opportunity to go before the people, I would not be voting for him. I believed then, and still believe now, that democracy is best served when candidates who are serious and committed are not denied their place on the ballot.

"Today, I have decided to sign the nomination papers for Maria Steen. In the same spirit of fairness and respect for the democratic process, I will be giving her the opportunity to contest the election.

"However, I want to be absolutely clear: my support in this election is firmly with Heather Humphreys. I believe she is the right person to be the next President of Ireland and I am 100% backing her campaign.

"Signing a nomination paper is not a signal of electoral support, it is simply ensuring that the people of Ireland are given a fair and full choice when they go to the polls. That is the foundation of democracy, and it is something I will always stand by.”

Businessman Gareth Sheridan is also seeking to contest the presidential election as an independent. He has the support of Kerry County Council and Tipperary County Council, but still needs two more local authorities to support him.

Ms Steen is described as a “conservative” campaigner. A barrister by profession, she also holds a degree in architecture, and writes for the Irish Catholic.

She has five children, ranging in age between three and 18. She has educated her children at home and has a degree in Montessori teaching.

Ms Steen is a member of the Catholic advocacy group, the Iona Institute, and previously represented them during debates in advance of referenda.

This included the 2015 referendum on marriage equality, during which she campaigned for a no vote. The referendum passed by 62 per cent.

She also represented the Iona Institute in the 2017 Citizens’ Assembly discussing Ireland’s abortion laws.