Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys has announced she will not contest the upcoming general election.
In a statement, the Minister for Social Protection said: “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 Cavan-Monaghan TD’s decision means that 18 of the 35 Fine Gael TDs elected in 2020 will not be running in the next election which many in political circles believe will take place as early as next month.
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Ms Humphreys – who is also Minister for Rural and Community Development – said her decision came after “much consideration”.
The 64-year-old is also stepping down as Fine Gael deputy leader.
Following her announcement, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee was appointed the new party deputy leader by Taoiseach Simon Harris.
During an interview with RTÉ on Sunday, Ms Humphreys was asked if she would be interested in running for the presidency next year.
“It’s certainly not on the cards for me. And it’s for the same reason that I won’t be running for the Dáil - unless I can give it 100 per cent, I won’t do it.
“I’ll keep working, of course, to the best of my ability, for the remainder of the Government term and when the next government is formed and a new cabinet is appointed - that will mark the end of my time in public life,” she said.
“I’ve been at it now for 21 years, and I do believe it’s time to take a step back.”
Ms Humphreys previously served as minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht and as minister for business, enterprise and innovation.
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.”
Ms Humphreys added: “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.
“We have just had a very successful local election in Cavan-Monaghan which saw Fine Gael become the largest party in local government across the two counties.
“The talent is here locally and now is the right time to make way for the next generation to take up the mantle.”
She also outlined her belief that Fine Gael “made the right choice” when it elected Simon Harris as leader adding: “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.”
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Ms Humphreys predicted that Fine Gael will retain its seat in Cavan-Monaghan and will “push very strongly for a second”. Cavan-based councillor TP O’Reilly is expected to be one of the Fine Gael candidates.
She added: “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 thanked people in the constituency “for putting their trust in me and electing me to Dáil Éireann. It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent you.”
She also thanked her family “for their patience and support”.
“While I chose to enter politics, my family did not. The stress, strain and time away from home takes its toll on everybody.
“I really am looking forward to spending more time with [them] and particularly my two beautiful little grandchildren.”
The Taoiseach 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 would remains as Minister for Social Protection and Rural Affairs 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 her appointment as deputy leader is “a great honour” and plegded to “give my all to the role”.
She said Ms Humphreys “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 “I wish her every happiness with the next chapter of her life.”
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