Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys announces she won't contest next General Election
Ms Humphreys' shock announcement means that 18 of the 35 Fine Gael TDs elected in 2020 will not be contesting the election
Fine Gael Deputy Leader Heather Humphreys has announced that she will not contest the upcoming General Election.
In a shock announcement on Saturday evening, Ms Humphreys, the Minister for Social Protection, announced that she will be stepping down as Fine Gael deputy leader - just six months after taking over the position from Simon Coveney.
“After much consideration I have decided not to seek re-election at the next General Election and I will step down as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael," Ms Humphreys, who represents Cavan-Monaghan, said in a statement.
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“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.
“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."
Ms Humphreys went on to praise Taoiseach Simon Harris, saying that Fine Gael "made the right choice" when the party elected the 38-year-old as Leader.
"His work-rate and commitment is extraordinary. Under his leadership, there is a new energy and excitement in the party," she said.
"While the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in the next Dáil will look a lot different, I know under Simon’s leadership, our Parliamentary Party room will be full. What is more it will be full of a new, enthusiastic generation of Fine Gael representatives who will take our Party forward into the future.
“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."
Ms Humphreys, who turned 64 in May, was was first elected in 2011 and she has been a member of the Cabinet for the last decade.
Her decision to stand down means 18 of the 35 Fine Gael TD elected in 2020 will not be contesting the election, which is expected to take place later this year.
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