Heather Humphreys, the deputy leader of Fine Gael, made the surprising announcement that she won’t be running in the forthcoming general election. The announcement, made on Saturday evening, emphasised the human nature of politicians, with Humphreys acknowledging the toll of time and the subsequent decrease in her vigour and health. She iterated her inability to dedicate the level of time and commitment the position requires.
The decision of the Cavan-Monaghan TD implies that out of the 35 Fine Gael TDs who won their seats in 2020, 18 will not be participating in the prospective election, widely speculated to be slated for as soon as next month.
Humphreys, who also serves as Minister for Rural and Community development, stated that her choice was made with much deliberation. The 64-year-old is relinquishing her position as Fine Gael deputy leader too.
She reflected on her 21-year-long public service journey which navigated through roles such as Councillor, TD, and Minister. She expressed her gratitude for being part of the Cabinet for over a decade and lauded the diversity of ministerial portfolios she got to handle. Humphreys has held positions as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht along with Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation.
Reminiscing about her accomplishments, she mentioned leading the 2016 Commemorations, assisting businesses during the Covid-19 crisis, passing laws around Auto Enrolment and Pay Related Benefit, implementing Hot Meals in all Primary schools, and providing support for rural communities. She expressed delight over her job and counted herself fortunate for eagerly looking forward to working every day.
Humphreys concluded her announcement by referring to her late colleague Seymour Crawford, who had passed on the mantle to her at a high point of Fine Gael in 2011. She expressed her desire to accord her successor the same opportunity. She acknowledged the recent successes of Fine Gael in the local elections in Cavan-Monaghan, where they emerged as the party with the most representation in Local Government in both counties.
“The local talent is present and this is an appropriate period for the forthcoming generation to take over.”
She further expressed her conviction that electing Simon Harris as leader was a reasonable decision by Fine Gael, noting, “A new vitality and fervour is present in the party under his stewardship.”
“Although the next Dáil’s Fine Gael parliamentary party will be significantly changed, I’m confident that under Simon’s guidance, our parliamentary meeting room will be bustling,” she stated.
She went on to say that the room will be filled not just with people, but with a fresh, eager generation of Fine Gael representatives ready to usher the party into the future.
Ms Humphreys forecasts that Fine Gael will successfully hold onto its seat in Cavan-Monaghan and will “vigorously campaign for a second”.
She vowed, “I will tirelessly work alongside our candidates to meet this objective so as to enable the reappointment of Simon Harris as Taoiseach.”
Mr Humphreys expressed her gratitude to the constituency, saying, “Thank you for electing me to Dáil Éireann and entrusting me. Representing you has truly been the highlight of my life.”
She acknowledged her family’s unwavering “patience and support”.
She admitted, “Entering politics was my choice, not my family’s. The demands, pressure and time away from home affects everyone.”
She warmly expressed, “I’m genuinely looking forward to devoting more time to you all and particularly to spending it with my two delightful young grandchildren.”