Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has committed to supporting Ireland’s place within the European Union if elected President.

Ms. Humphreys said: “Ireland has gained from our membership of the European Union. We have become a fairer, more open country.

“Next year, Ireland will host the Presidency of the European Union. Across those six months, leaders from across the European Union will come here for meetings.

“Thousands of events around the country will take place to mark this important milestone.

“It is so important we have a President who is proud of Europe.

“European values are our values and they should also be the values of our next President.

“They are my values; Democracy and Freedom, Equality and Opportunity, Peace and Security.

“On Friday, please lend me your vote and I promise I will represent this country with pride on the world stage.

“When the eyes of Europe will be on Ireland, I will represent this country with distinction, as a proud European.”