Presidency 'not on the cards' for Minister Humphreys

Speaking on RTE Radio 1 today, Minister Heather Humphreys said her decision to retire from national politics is something she’s thought “long and hard about.”

The Minister revealed running in the presidential election is “certainly not on the cards” for her future.

Her party colleague Minister Helen McEntee is to replace her as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael

Turning sixty-five next year, the Cavan Monaghan TD said she is “not physically able” to see out another term in government if the upcoming election goes in Fine Gael’s favour.

“There’s no work life balance in politics,” she said.

On the timing of the decision with her party convention in the area taking place next week, she looked at the polls nationally and at the results of the local election in her constituency, where Fine Gael was “very successful.”

Minister Humphreys first approached the Taoiseach Simon Harris with her decision at the end of August, when she was asked to “reflect” on it.

“It was a hard conversation,” she shared, describing the Taoiseach as her “friend” as well as a colleague. They spoke again last week.

“He said he understood, he wished me well,” Minister Humphreys said.

“If you can’t give the job 100% then you’re better not doing it.”

The Monaghan woman revealed her “biggest regret” is that she is “not ten years younger.”

“I’d love to keep going,” she said.

Regarding plans for her retirement, she said: “I’m going to take some time out.”

She also plans to spend more time with family and friends, who have been “on hold” for the last 14 years.

“I like my garden so I’ll spend a bit more time there,” she said.

Cathaoirleach TP O’Reilly, whose name is in the running to contest the next general election, said news of Minister Humphrey’s retirement is a “big shock.”

“On my end of things, nothing changes, my priority is to take a seat in Cavan.

“That hasn’t changed,” he stated.

“I want to wish her well, I honestly and truly believe I’ve never met a harder working woman, bar my mother,” he added.

“She was a grafter and she was on the ground and she had her finger on the pulse of everything.”

“History will be kind to Heather Humphreys. She did a lot of good work, she was a people's person.”

Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly also paid tribute to the Cavan Monaghan minister.

“In all her years as Minister she has delivered to every town village and rural community  in Cavan and Monaghan,” she said.

Senator O’Reilly described her as “a mould breaking Minister” who introduced auto enrolment for pensioners and a “myriad of reforms” in Social Protection.

“Her innate political skills and downright common sense will still be available to Fine Gael and the constituency.”