Heather Humphreys’ presidential campaign has come under scrutiny after a social media blunder showed Germany’s Reichstag building instead of Belfast City Hall. The incident has drawn attention as the former government minister campaigns to become Ireland’s next president.
Humphreys, representing Fine Gael, visited Belfast earlier this week as part of her campaign trail. Following her trip, a video was posted to her social media accounts featuring an image meant to represent Belfast City Hall. Instead, the video displayed the Reichstag, the historic seat of the German parliament in Berlin. The clip has since been removed and replaced with the correct image.
The candidate, who hails from the Protestant community in the border county of Monaghan, has been emphasising her familiarity with Northern Ireland, stressing that she does not only travel there “on day trips.” The mix-up has therefore been particularly embarrassing, as her campaign has tried to position her as someone knowledgeable about the north.
A spokesperson for Fine Gael sought to play down the error, stating: “A mistake was made in production and has been rectified. Where issues are brought to our attention, we seek to address them quickly.”
Humphreys is now one of only two remaining candidates in the race, following the withdrawal of Jim Gavin, who was representing Fianna Fáil, the lead coalition government party. Gavin stepped down amid controversy over money he failed to repay to a former tenant, leaving the field narrower and putting the spotlight firmly on Humphreys and her rival.
Her competitor, Catherine Connolly, has also faced questions over her campaign videos. A recent clip posted on social media included footage of President Michael D. Higgins, which was used without his permission. The footage has since been removed, and a spokesperson for Connolly’s campaign clarified: “The video in question was amended following standard editorial review. The matter was handled in the normal way and resolved without any issue.” The spokesperson also denied claims that the campaign had refused to remove the clip, emphasising that there was “no refusal or disagreement” at any point.
The incident with Humphreys highlights how high-profile mistakes can attract attention in what is already a closely watched presidential race. The role of president, while largely ceremonial, carries significant symbolic weight in Ireland, and candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of both domestic and international affairs. Social media missteps like this one are likely to be dissected by both the public and political commentators in the coming weeks.
The presidential election is scheduled for 24 October, giving both remaining candidates just a few weeks to appeal to voters nationwide. In recent days, Humphreys has been stepping up her campaign, visiting communities across Ireland and emphasising her record as a former minister, while Connolly continues to highlight her experience as a longstanding independent voice in the Oireachtas.
Observers say that mistakes like showing the wrong landmark may seem minor but can have a broader impact on a campaign, particularly in an election where attention to detail and public perception are critical. For Humphreys, the team’s quick correction may help minimise damage, but the incident has already provided fodder for commentators and rival campaigns alike.
As the race enters its final weeks, both candidates are under increasing scrutiny, not only for their policies and track records but also for the way they manage their campaigns in the digital age, where even small errors can quickly become national news.
