Minister Heather Humphreys has today (Friday, April 5), been appointed deputy leader of Fine Gael by the new leader of the party, Minister Simon Harris.
The Monaghan native, who is currently Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, will take up her new position from today.
Speaking on her appointment, Minister Humphreys said she is honoured to be asked to serve as Fine Gael deputy leader and to build on the work carried out by Simon Coveney.
“I believe that we have a real opportunity now to reset the dial for Fine Gael, and to place a renewed focus on issues that our party and our country really cares about.
“That is doing things like rewarding work, supporting small businesses, delivering for families, and strengthening rural Ireland.
“As deputy leader, I very much look forward to getting out on the ground, visiting our communities, and meeting as many people as possible,” Minister Humphreys said.
“I will do all this working closely alongside our new party leader Simon Harris. Simon has already demonstrated the sort of energy and vision he intends to bring to the role of Taoiseach.
“He is a born leader, someone who cares deeply about improving services for families, for delivering opportunities for our young people and creating the kind of country that we all strive to live in.
“I want to thank Simon for this opportunity which I very much relish and will take on with a sense of energy and enthusiasm,” Minister Humphreys said on her appointment.
Fine Gael
Fine Gael leader Minister Simon Harris, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Heather has decided to serve as deputy leader of Fine Gael as we embark on a new chapter for our great party.
“Having known Heather as a friend and colleague for many years, I know she is a person of enormous ability and integrity and is deeply respected by grassroots members, local councillors and members of the parliamentary party alike.
“In her various ministerial portfolios, Heather has worked incredibly hard to deliver solutions which have made a tangible difference to peoples’ lives including cost of living supports, positive changes to our social protection system, and substantial investment in rural towns and villages to make them better places to live, work and raise a family.
“She [has] worked as a minister in various portfolios including justice, enterprise, culture, arts and the Gaeltacht and brings immense experience from these departments.
“This is a moment of renewal for our party, and for reaffirming our commitment to driving progress and delivery for families, individuals, and communities throughout Ireland,” he said.
The Fine Gael leader said he knows Minister Humphreys will bring “the same vigour and determination” to her new role and to the work that lies ahead.