Helen McEntee has been named the new Deputy Leader of Fine Gael by Simon Harris. 

The Minister for Justice and Meath East TD replaces Heather Humphreys, who yesterday announced her retirement from politics. 

Minister McEntee described the appointment as a “great honour” ahead of the upcoming election. 

“Fine Gael stands for every person having equal opportunity and security, for Ireland being a country that rewards hard work and enterprise, and for Ireland as being a country at the centre of the European Union,” she said. 

“As Deputy Leader I will work every day with our leader, with party members, councillors, candidates and the parliamentary party, to deliver from those core Fine Gael values, policies and projects.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee at Government Buildings, 31-08-2022. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Minister Humphreys’ retirement complicates Fine Gael’s desire to win two seats in her Cavan-Monaghan constituency. 

However, the party continues to lead in opinion polls nationwide. 

According to a survey published today in the Sunday Times/Opinions, 24% of voters would give the party their first preference - a figure unchanged since last month. 

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil have dropped one point to 19% and Sinn Féin remain in third place with 16%. 

A date for the election is likely to be agreed tomorrow during a meeting between the three coalition party leaders.

Main image: Helen McEntee and Simon Harris. Picture by: RollingNews.ie