Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, elected as Vice-President of the EPP Group by a majority vote

Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, has today (Wednesday) been elected as Vice-President of the EPP Group by a majority vote.

Welcoming the result, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, TD, said, “Congratulations to Frances Fitzgerald on her election as Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

“Frances continues the proud Fine Gael tradition of Irish representation at the most senior level in the European People’s Party.

“Her extensive executive experience in national politics and strong focus on inclusiveness and diversity will enhance the leadership of the EPP Group in championing a fair and inclusive recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This election is a great result for Fine Gael, Ireland and Europe. I wish Frances every success in her new role.”

Speaking after the vote, MEP Fitzgerald said, “I am honoured to have been elected as Vice-President of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

“As Ireland continues to face the challenges of COVID-19 and increasing Brexit tensions, it is important that we have representation at key leadership levels in Europe.

“I welcome the opportunity to shape the future of the EU as we work towards a COVID recovery which is all about building a better, green, digital and inclusive future.

“Fine Gael is the party of Europe in Ireland; we were one of the founding members of the EPP in 1976. I want to build on this strong pro-European track record and strengthen links between Ireland and Europe particularly in a post-Brexit environment.

“I will continue to be a strong voice for my constituency of Dublin and for Ireland at this crucial time,” MEP Fitzgerald concluded.

NOTE TO EDITORS

• Vice-President Fitzgerald was first elected to the European Parliament in 2019 as a Fine Gael MEP for Dublin.
• She is a member of the Committees on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and Development.
• Fitzgerald also serves a spokeswoman for the EPP Group on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.
• Prior to her election to the European Parliament, Fitzgerald served as a national parliamentarian for over 20 years, including as Tánaiste or Deputy Prime Minister, one of only four women to have ever held this position.
• She has also served as Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation; Minister for Justice & Equality and was Ireland’s first Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.