Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys. Photo: Collins
Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys has made the shock decision not to run in the upcoming general election.
In a statement Ms Humphreys confirmed to the Irish Independent that after 21 years as a public representative she has decided not to seek re-election.
“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,” the Social Protection Minister said.
Ms Humphreys, who many see as the modern day matriarch of Fine Gael, turned 64 earlier this year but there was no hint that she would not go forward in the Cavan-Monaghan constituency again. She would have been expected to easily hold the seat she first took in 2011.
“I have been a public representative for the past 21 years, as a Councillor, TD and Minister. I have been fortunate to serve in Cabinet for over 10 years across a range of different ministries. 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,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Humphreys was seen by some as a potential successor to Leo Varadkar when he stood down as party leader earlier this year – but she said today that Mr Harris was the correct choice.
“His work-rate and commitment is extraordinary. Under his leadership, there is a new energy and excitement in the party. 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,” she said.
Ms Humphreys’s decision means 18 of the 35 Fine Gael TD elected in 2020 will not be contesting the election which is expected to take place within seven weeks.
