Presidential-hopeful Joan Freeman Presidential-hopeful Joan Freeman has credited the intercession of Our Lady at Knock for healing her of a skin condition when she was a teenager.
The Independent Senator who is running for the presidency said that her Faith was “absolutely responsible” for curing her of eczema on a visit to Knock Shrine when she was younger.
Speaking to Dublin City FM radio station’s Sunday Edition, Ms Freeman added that having Faith is sometimes portrayed as if something is “radically wrong” with you, whereas research indicates that believers actually cope better with life.
The Irish psychologist and mental health activist also said she voted against the removal of the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution in May, but that this would in no way impinge on her public duties as president.
“The voice of the people has been heard and there probably will have to be amendments to legislation. That comes with every legislation. We’ll just have to wait and see what is suggested,” she said, adding that the lead up to the vote on removing the constitutional provision was “such a difficult time for all the people of Ireland”.
Ms Freeman became the third official candidate in the upcoming presidential election when she received the backing of Galway County, Galway City, Cork City and Fingal councils to join businessman Seán Gallagher in challenging incumbent Michael D. Higgins for the presidency.
