Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys has announced that she will not stand in the upcoming general election, saying ‘politicians are human too’.
In a statement, the Fine Gael TD said her shock decision came after ‘careful consideration’.
“Politicians are human too, we give all we can for as long as we can but time catches up on us all,” she said.
“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,” she added.
The announcement came as a surprise to many and it means that 18 of the 35 Fine Gael TDs elected in 2020 are leaving politics.
The Minister for Social Protection was first elected in 2011 and she has been a member of the Cabinet for the last decade.
The Cavan-Monaghan TD was seen as favourite to top the poll in her constituency in the forthcoming election which is just weeks away.
For full report, see www.rte.ie
