Minister Heather Humphreys has today (Sunday, October 20), announced she will not seek re-election at the next general election and that she will step down as deputy leader of Fine Gael.
Humphreys has been a public representative for the past 21 years, as a councillor, TD and minister, serving in Cabinet for over ten years across a range of different ministries.
Announcing her decision “after much consideration” today, Humphreys, who is Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection, 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.” Humphreys added: “Politicians are human too; we give all we can for as long as we can, but time catches up on us all.
“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,” Humphreys said.
Heather Humphreys
“My good friend, the late Seymour Crawford passed the baton to me in 2011 when the wind was in the Fine Gael sails – I now want to give my successor that same opportunity,” she added.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD said Fine Gael became the largest party in local government across the counties in the recent local elections, and added that the “talent is here locally and now is the right time to make way for the next generation to take up the mantle”.
“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.
“I want to thank the people of Cavan and Monaghan for putting their trust in me and electing me to Dáil Eireann. It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent you,” Humphreys said.
Fine Gael
Taoiseach Simon Harris has paid tribute to Heather Humphreys saying she has been a “trailblazer in Irish politics”. Humphreys has served in five departments including as Minister for Justice, Arts and Enterprise.
“She has been a reforming Minister for Social Protection introducing the long-talked about auto enrolment pension system and pay-related social welfare to help people who lose their jobs. Her legacy will be ensuring every child has a hot meal during the school day.
“In rural affairs, she has overseen record investment in rural Ireland. There is not a county in Ireland that has not seen investment under the leadership of Heather.
“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,” the Taoiseach said.
“She is a great friend and has been a loyal and dedicated minister and deputy leader. However, health must always come first,” the Taoiseach said and confirmed that Humphreys will remain Minister for Social Protection and Rural Affairs.
McEntee announced Fine Gael deputy leader
Following Humphreys’ decision to step down as Fine Gael deputy leader, the Taoiseach has appointed Minister for Justice Helen McEntee as deputy leader of Fine Gael.
“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,” he said.
In a statement today, McEntee said: “It is a great honour to be appointed deputy leader of Fine Gael and I will give my all to the role. I thank Taoiseach Simon Harris for placing his trust in me.”
“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 deader, I look forward to working with Simon for our country and for our party,” McEntee said.
McEntee paid tribute to her “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”.