Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys announces she won’t be contesting general election [Video]

FINE GAEL DEPUTY leader and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has announced that she will not be contesting the upcoming general election and will be stepping down as deputy leader of the party. 

The shock announcement comes only six months after Humphreys was confirmed as the new deputy leader in April. 

In a statement announcing her stepping down, the 64-year-old veteran politician said: ““Politicians are human too; we give all we can for as long as we can but time catches up on us all. 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.” 

Humphreys, who has been in politics since 2003, has served under four Taoisigh: Enda Kenny, Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin, and Simon Harris. She is the longest serving female Cabinet …