Heather Humphreys confirmed as Fine Gael deputy leader

Muireann Duffy

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has been confirmed as Fine Gael's deputy leader by the party's new leader, Simon Harris.

Mr Harris is poised to become taoiseach when the Dáil returns after its Easter break, having become Fine Gael leader after Leo Varadkar's shock decision to step down last month.

Ms Humphreys takes over the position from Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, who announced earlier this week that he would be stepping down from his Cabinet position when the Dáil resumes next week.

Ms Humphreys, who represents Cavan-Monaghan, said it is a "great honour" to be chosen as deputy leader and "build on the work carried out by my friend and colleague, Simon Coveney".

She also echoed the comments of her party colleagues, who have previously said the recent changes offer a chance to renew the party.

"I believe that we have a real opportunity now to reset the dial for Fine Gael and to place a renewed focus on issues that our party and our country really cares about.

"That is doing things like rewarding work, ing small businesses, delivering for families, and strengthening rural Ireland," the Minister said.

Mr Harris will likely reshuffle the Cabinet when he takes office, and will need to fill the vacancy in his current position, Minister for Higher and Further Education, and reassign Mr Coveney's enterprise portfolio.

A close political ally of Mr Harris, Ms Humphreys said the new Fine Gael leader has "already demonstrated the sort of energy and vision he intends to bring to the role of taoiseach".

"He is a born leader, someone who cares deeply about improving services for families, for delivering opportunities for our young people and creating the kind of country that we all strive to live in."

She added: "I want to thank Simon for this opportunity which I very much relish and will take on with a sense of energy and enthusiasm."

Commenting on Ms Humphreys' appointment, Mr Harris commended her as a person of "enormous ability and integrity", adding she will bring "vigour and determination" to her new role.