Justice Minister Helen McEntee has profusely expressed her gratitude to Taoiseach Simon Harris for appointing her as Fine Gael Deputy Leader, after her predecessor, Heather Humphreys, announced her departure from the role.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Deputy Leader of Fine Gael and I will give my all to the role,” McEntee said in a statement.
“I thank Taoiseach Simon Harris for placing his trust in me. He is working with extraordinary energy, with integrity and with competence as Ireland’s new Taoiseach and as the new Leader of Fine Gael. As Deputy Leader, I look forward to working with Simon for our country and for our party.”
She also said that she wished to “pay tribute” to the outgoing Humphreys, saying she had given “over 20 years of exemplary public service to her country.”
“…I look forward to working as Deputy Leader with all candidates and party members in the general election campaign.”
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that McEntee was “stepped in the Fine Gael values of equality and opportunity” and someone who is “respected by our party membership right across the country.”
“I really look forward to working closely with her in the time ahead,” he said.
“Fine Gael will fight for every vote at the next general election and will take nothing for granted.”