Longford / Westmeath TD Peter Burke 'humbled and honoured' by Cabinet appointment

Longford / Westmeath Fine Gael TD Peter Burke has said he was 'humbled and honoured' on being appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment by new Taoiseach Simon Harris. 

Deputy Burke, who had been Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs & Defence, now becomes the first Cabinet Minister from his hometown of Mullingar. 

Minister Burke stated, "It was the honour of my life to accept my Seal of Office from our President Michael D Higgins, on being appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

"I want to especially express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife Olivia and family for their unwavering support over the course of my political career, as well as my extremely hard-working staff.

"Serving as a TD for the people of Longford Westmeath since 2016 has been a privilege, and the support I receive from my community has been something I have never have, or will, take for granted. As the first Cabinet Minister from my hometown of Mullingar, it is a humbling experience."

Minister Burke thanked new Taoiseach Simon Harris TD 'for placing his trust' in him. 

Also read: Hoteliers welcome appointment of Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Minister Burke continued, "I look forward to getting stuck in immediately and playing my part to support our small businesses up and down the country. These businesses are the backbone of our economy."

He also poignantly remembered his late father. "Last night above all nights as I approach the second anniversary of my Dad’s passing, I so wish I could have made that call to him. I know he would have been very proud."

Also read: Simon Harris brings new faces into Cabinet in reshuffle