Poll shows Heather Humphreys ahead in Irish presidential race

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Heather Humphreys, former Irish minister for social protection, is leading the race to become Ireland's next president, according to a poll cited by public broadcaster RTE on Sunday.

The Red C survey for the Business Post put Humphreys, the Fine Gael party candidate, on 22% support. Jim Gavin, representing Fianna Fail, polled second at 18%.

Independent candidate Catherine Connolly, backed by left-wing groups, followed closely on 17%.

However, more than a third of respondents – 36% – said they had not yet chosen a candidate.

The poll also suggested significant crossover support between Ireland's two main centrist parties. Nearly 29% of Fianna Fail voters said they would give their first preference to Humphreys, while only 12% of Fine Gael voters indicated they would back Gavin.

Among other candidates, businessman Peter Casey, who ran in the 2018 presidential election, was at 6%, conservative activist Maria Steen 5%, and independents Nick Delehanty and Gareth Sheridan 4% and 2%, respectively.

The survey of 1,003 adults was carried out between Sept. 4 and 9 and has a margin of error of three percentage points.