By David Young, PA
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has been appointed the new deputy leader of Fine Gael following Heather Humphreys’ surprise decision to stand down.
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris made the appointment following Ms Humphreys’ announcement that she will not be standing in the general election.
Minister for Social Protection Ms Humphreys cited health reasons for her move, saying time has caught up with her, and she does not think she could give the time and commitment required for the role.
The 64-year-old Cavan and Monaghan representative joins a sizeable list of TDs elected for Fine Gael in 2020 who will not be contesting the election.
It is a group that includes senior figures such as former taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former tánaiste Simon Coveney.
“Politicians are human too; we give all we can for as long as we can but time catches up on us all,” Ms Humphreys said in a statement on Saturday evening.
“As I get older, my health and energy levels are not what they were and I know going forward that I would not be able to give the job the time and commitment it deserves.”
Mr Harris paid tribute to Ms Humphreys, describing her as a “trailblazer in Irish politics”.
“Anyone who knows Heather knows her entire political career has been driven by a sense of decency, fairness and compassion. She is a proud, mischievous Monaghan woman with a loud laugh and a heart of gold,” he said.
“She is a great friend and has been a loyal and dedicated minister and deputy leader. However, health must always come first. If the last few weeks have taught the Fine Gael family anything, it is that life is short and health and wellbeing should always be prioritised.”
Mr Harris said Ms Humphreys will remain as Social Protection and Rural Affairs Minister pending the general election.
On the appointment of Ms McEntee as deputy leader, he added: “Helen is steeped in the Fine Gael values of equality and opportunity.
“She is a diligent, hardworking colleague and someone I know a long time. Helen is respected by our party membership right across the country. I really look forward to working closely with her in the time ahead.”
Ms McEntee said it is a “great honour” to be appointed deputy leader of Fine Gael and vowed to “give my all to the role”.
“I thank Taoiseach Simon Harris for placing his trust in me,” she said.
“He is working with extraordinary energy, with integrity and with competence as Ireland’s new Taoiseach and as the new leader of Fine Gael.
“As deputy leader, I look forward to working with Simon for our country and for our party.
“The Fine Gael Party is made up of many wonderful activists and public representatives in every community in our country who are working to ensure we have an Ireland where everyone has an equal chance, where communities all around the country can thrive and flourish. I will continue to work with them to achieve that goal.”
She added: “I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, colleague and friend, deputy leader of Fine Gael, Minister Heather Humphreys. She has given over 20 years of exemplary public service to her country, to the people of Monaghan and Cavan, and to the Fine Gael party. And she has been a friend to me and many throughout. I wish her every happiness with the next chapter of her life.”
Ms Humphreys reflected on her 21 years as a public representative, during which she served as a councillor, TD and minister.
“I have been fortunate to serve in Cabinet for over 10 years across a range of different ministries,” she said.
“Whether it was leading the 2016 commemorations, supporting businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, enacting legislation for auto enrolment and pay-related benefit, rolling out hot meals to all primary schools, or supporting our rural communities, I have always enjoyed the job and I have always looked forward to coming to work every day.
“We will retain our seat in Cavan-Monaghan and push very strongly for a second Fine Gael seat in this constituency.
“I will work day and night with our candidates to achieve this goal so that we can return Simon Harris to the office of Taoiseach.”
