On the topic of personal judgement, Ms Humphreys is asked about Shane O’Farrell, the man who died in a hit-and-run by a driver who should have been in prison.

 

His mother Lucia O’Farrell, a constituent of Ms Humphreys, has campaigned following her son’s death but has never met with her.

 

Ms Humphreys says there were tears in her eyes following a phone conversation with Ms O’Farrell and apologises for the O’Farrell family not getting what they wanted.

 

Asked if she petitioned on behalf of Ms O’Farrell, Ms Humphreys said she spoke with her on a number of occasions, wrote and spoke to Ministers on her behalf, and again apologies for not “delivering for them what they wanted”, but she is glad the family got a State apology.

“I did speak at length with Lucia [Shane’s mother], and when I was finished that phone conversation, I can tell you, there was tears in my eyes because she her son was around the same age as one of my children, and that could have been any of us. 

“So my heart goes out to the O’Farrell family, and can I just say that I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to deliver what they wanted. I really am sorry. I’m sorry they lost their son, and I’m glad they got a state apology,” Humphreys says, adding she is “really sorry” a state apology was not issued during her time in government.

“I’m really sorry that I wasn’t able to deliver what they wanted,” she says.

“I did my best, as I said, I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to deliver what they wanted at the time, and we all make mistakes.

“I am sorry for the O’Farrell family and what they have come through,” Humphreys says when challenged why she did not meet in person Lucia O’Farrell, who has publicly criticised the Fine Gael candidate saying the former minister did not do enough to help her family.

“Shane was a lovely young man, and unfortunately, he was killed by a motorist that should not have been on the road so what can I say, only I am so very sorry. And I you know I wish that I could say something or do something that would bring me their son back,” Humphreys says.

Darragh Nolan and Cónal Thomas