MINISTER HEATHER HUMPHREYS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION AFTER 21 YEARS IN POLITICS
By Veronica Corr and Peter Hughes
Tributes were paid across the political spectrum to Minister Heather Humphreys following the shock announcement of her retirement from politics at the weekend via a statement sent to media outlets nationwide on Saturday night. Minister Humphreys has confirmed that she will not be seeking reelection in the upcoming General Election, which is expected to happen before the end of the year.
It is understood that Minister Humphreys will continue to hold the dual portfolios of Social Protection and Community and Rural Development until a new Government is formed. The Constitution also provides that ‘the members of the Government in the office at the date of a dissolution of Dáil Éireann shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed.’ However, Minister Humphreys decided to step down from her position as Fine Gael Deputy Leader, a role she has held since Taoiseach Simon Harris appointed her earlier this year. That role is now occupied by the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
In a couple of radio interviews earlier this week, Minister Humphreys said that she would not be seeking the Fine Gael nomination for 2025 Irish Presidential Election either, which is predicted to happen this time next year. She also ruled out any of her family members contesting the Dáil seat she will vacate…
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