Galway’s Hildegarde Naughton made local political history this week by becoming the first Galway West Fine Gael deputy to be appointed to a senior cabinet position.
The elevation to the post of Minister for Education and Youth came about as part of the reshuffle caused by the resignation of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe who takes up a new post with the World Bank in Washington next week.
Speaking to the Advertiser after her appointment, Minister Naughton said she was deeply honoured to have been appointed as Minister for Education and Youth.
“I have been passionate about education since I qualified as a primary school teacher more than 20 years ago. I have served as Minister of State in several Government departments and I am confident that my experience as both Minister for Special Education and Inclusion and more recently as Minister for Disability will stand to me in my new role.”
Minister Naughton added that she was also glad to make local politicial history.
“I am immensely proud to be the first Fine Gael TD from Galway West to be appointed to a senior cabinet position. I am absolutely committed to delivering a world-class education system for children across Ireland, but am mindful of my responsibilities and desire to progress vital strategic investment for projects throughout Galway. I will be a strong voice in Government for Galway and the west of Ireland in the years ahead,” she added.
“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people of Galway who have put their trust in me to represent their interests in Dáil Éireann and I thank them for their continued support.
“Since my election to Galway City Council in 2009, to my appointment to the Seanad and the three subsequent General Elections, I have had the enduring support and friendship of a large group of supporters, to whom I am hugely grateful,” she added.
“I look forward to working with colleagues in the Department of Education and across Government over the coming years to deliver on
