Fine Gael's Presidential Election candidate, Heather Humphreys has said that she regretted the appointment of John McNulty to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art in 2014.
The appointment caused a political controversy, with Fianna Fáil claiming the move was designed to help the Donegal businessman secure a seat in a forthcoming Seanad by-election.
As the then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said she appointed Mr McNulty on his own merits.
However, speaking to RTÉ's News at One today, Ms Humphreys said she had regretted her actions.
Asked whether the affair raises questions about her judgement, she said: "I made a mistake when I made that appotntment.
"It was 11 years ago, I was a new minister at the time, and I think I had only been in the job a few weeks at that stage.
"It was the first time I ever appointed anybody to a Board and back then there was no clear process in place for Board appointments.
"Now we have the public appointments system," she said.
Mrs Humphreys said it taught her that it does not matter whether it is an unpaid position or not, "there must be a proper transparent system for public appointments".
"So, I have followed that system since," she said.
'Facilitate reconciliation and understanding'
Heather Humphreys said that she wants to be President because it is a role that unites.
Yesterday, Ms Humphreys was confirmed as the sole nominee for Fine Gael to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, which is set to take place on 24 October.
Ms Humphreys said the presidency can "represent all of us on this island no matter where we come from or what our background is".
She said the world is "increasingly divisive" and the presidency can be a force for bringing communities together, including on a cross-border basis.
"I have always sought to break down barriers, and I have always sought to reach out that hand of friendship," she said.
Ms Humphreys said that if she is elected she would use the presidency to "listen to people, to hear their story, and where there is division, try and facilitate reconciliation and understanding".
She said she was "proud" to lead the 2016 commemmorations "and I was very proud of how we as a nation commemmorated that very complex and formative chapter in our history".
"The commemmorations actually brought people and communities together and there was a real sense of national pride, a sense of identity, and I think we really need to get back to that," she said.
Listen: Heather Humphreys tells RTÉ's News at One that she would not be a Fine Gael president, but a president for all people on the island.
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Steen would represent 'a good chunk of Irish society', says Tóibín
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said potential Independent candidate Maria Steen would represent "a good chunk of Irish society" if she becomes an official presidential election candidate.
In recent days, Ms Steen, who is a barrister and member of the Iona Institute, and was a prominent campaigner against the 2015 marriage equality and 2018 Eighth Amendment repeal referendums, confirmed she is seeking to become a candidate.
In order to do so, she will need to either receive the formal backing of 20 or more TDs and senators or the support of four or more local authorities.
Asked about Ms Steen's potential candidacy, Mr Tóibín said: "She's a very good candidate. She's bright, she's intelligent, she would make a significant impact in the debates around the presidential election, and I believe a good chunk of Irish society would have their voices heard in those debates if she participated."
He acknowledged it may be difficult for Ms Steen to receive the support of 20 or more TDs or senators to be nominated via the Oireachtas route, saying to date he is aware of eight TDs and senators who would back her.
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Election set for 24 October, nominations must be received by 24 September
It comes as Minister for Housing and Local Government James Browne made the order appointing polling day on 24 October.
Mr Browne signed the order at the Customs House this afternoon.
Polling hours will be 7am to 10pm on Friday, 24 October.
Nomination papers for candidates can be delivered to the presidential returning officer from 10am this Friday, 5 September.
The window for nominations is open for 20 days.
Nominations must be received by midday on 24 September.
Around 3.6 million Irish citizens aged 18 and over who are ordinarily resident in the State can vote in the election.
Voters can go online at checktheregister.ie.
Anyone hoping to apply for a postal or special vote must submit their applications with their local authority by 29 September.
Presidency does not belong to any political party - Taoiseach
Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said there are some voices "distorting the reality" around Fianna Fáil's path to nominating a presidential candidate.
He said his focus is about making "the best contribution" to the presidency, adding that it does not belong to any political party.
"This is about the presidency. It is not about Fianna Fáil. Some within the party comment as if it's all about Fianna Fáil. It is not."
He said in his view they have sought to seek out a person who can bring people together, command the broadest degree of support and someone who is "of strong character" and who "is very much rooted in the community".
He said former Dublin GAA football manager Jim Gavin "fits that criteria" while adding that the other contender for the party's nomination, his Fianna Fáil colleague Billy Kelleher is "a very fine parliamentarian" and has worked hard in the Dáil and European Parliament.
Mr Martin also rejected any criticism from senior Fianna Fáil figures including Mary Hanafin about his communication to them around potential candidates.
"This was actually well handled...they all get it... there is no issue. Most people accept fully how this is being progressed."
He said there were many expressions of interest from "lots of people" seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination over recent months.
Minister James Lawless said having a contest to decide on the party's candidate is "healthy" and it can result in the strongest candidate being put forward.
He said he will be supporting Jim Gavin "strongly".
He also said anyone who puts their name forward seeking a nomination should be treated respectfully.
Meanwhile, a group of six of Fianna Fáil TDs have declared their support for Jim Gavin for the party's nomination.
Malcolm Byrne, Tony McCormack, Ryan O'Meara, Aisling Dempsey, Naoise Ó Cearúil, and Tom Brabazon made the announcement following a meeting with Mr Gavin earlier today.
Deputy Byrne, who is the party spokesperson on Higher and Further Education, said it was a "very difficult decision" but that ultimately they backed Mr Gavin to be the nominee over his rival, the Fianna Fáil, MEP, Billy Kelleher.
Mr Byrne described them both as "excellent candidates" and he said whoever emerges as the official Fianna Fáil candidate next week following a party contest, "we'll be strongly supporting them".
Additional reporting Karen Creed, Juliette Gash
