Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, says he is honoured to have been elected Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and will work hard to ensure that the issues that matter most to people are raised at Fine Gael Party meetings. Deputy Heydon’s election to the position of Chair took place at a meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party last night (Wednesday).
“It is a huge honour to have been elected by my peers to the position of Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party. I wish to pay tribute to my colleague from Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, who has been elected as Vice Chair, and I know we will work very well together.
“This is a really exciting role and I will be required to represent the Party both nationally here in Ireland and in Europe through Fine Gael’s membership of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament.
“I am determined to use my new position to ensure that the issues that matter most to people around the country will be given an airing at Fine Gael Party meetings.
“My main responsibility is to Chair the weekly meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in Leinster House. This meeting brings our TDs and Senators together with the Taoiseach and Ministers whereby they can highlight issues, contribute policy ideas and raise matters of concern. The role of Chair is voted upon by the whole Parliamentary Party, meaning I am there to represent my peers and facilitate them in holding our Government to account on behalf of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and by extension, the people we represent.
“It is a really good opportunity for TDs and Senators to highlight with the Taoiseach and our Ministers the issues that affect people’s daily lives. I look forward to playing a strong role in policy development, working with my Fine Gael party colleagues and our Ministers in Government, in order to make life better for communities here in Kildare and right across the country.”