The Taoiseach's paid tribute to Heather Humphreys, who's confirmed over the weekend she won't seek re-election at the next General Election.
Simon Harris says she's been a 'trailblazer in Irish politics' - a great friend - and a dedicated Minister, and Deputy Leader of the party. In a statement to Northern Sound on Saturday night Ms Humphreys said as "I get older, my health and energy levels are not what they were, and I know going forward I would not be able to give the job the time and commitment it deserves".
Former Fine Gael TD and MEP Frances Fitzgerald says the Minister obviously felt it is the right time to go: "You know you never know the dynamics that shape a decision like that;" Frances Fitzgerald said, "It's such a big decision and, for whatever number of reasons obviously she felt now was the right time. Maybe she was ambivalent about it, maybe there were family factors, you never quite know but, you just have to respect that she's saying it's health and energy and she's given it 20 years and she feels at this stage that she's done enough."
