Ireland: Josepha Madigan Resigns as Junior Minister, Opts Out of Next General Election

Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan has officially stepped down from her role as junior minister as of today and has confirmed that she will not be participating in the upcoming general election.

Last summer, Ms. Madigan informed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of her decision not to seek re-election in the next general election. Additionally, she announced her support for Simon Harris as the new leader of Fine Gael.

Ms. Madigan’s departure comes after she failed to secure a party nomination for the European elections.

Following her resignation, incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris will oversee the appointment of a new Minister for the Department of Education.

In her statement, Ms. Madigan reiterated her decision not to contest the next general election and expressed her resignation from her ministerial position. She wished Simon Harris success in assembling a new ministerial team for Fine Gael’s leadership into the upcoming election.

Reflecting on her political journey, Ms. Madigan highlighted the challenges and rewards of public service, encouraging others with strength and courage to continue contributing to the betterment of the country and its people.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar commended Ms. Madigan for her dedication and hard work as a Fine Gael public representative. He reminisced about their initial encounter at a charity fundraiser and praised her kindness and empathy, qualities he sees as her strengths in politics.

Ms. Madigan previously served in the Cabinet as Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht in 2017. Despite being dropped from the Cabinet after the 2020 general election, she took on the role of Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion in the same year.

Varadkar acknowledged Ms. Madigan’s contributions to the education sector, noting the opening of more special classes and schools, as well as the increased presence of special education teachers, all attributed to her efforts.

As Ms. Madigan embarks on a new chapter in her life beyond politics, Varadkar extended his well wishes, acknowledging her absence from the Dáil and expressing gratitude for her service to the country.