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06 Sept 2025

Will Kildare TD be rewarded for "long days and late nights" hammering out programme for government

Kildare junior minister tipped to become senior minister

Fine Gael negotiators Martin Heydon and Helen McEntee

Fine Gael negotiators Martin Heydon and Helen McEntee

Reporter:

Kildare Reporter

22 Jan 2025 3:30 PM

Will Kildare South TD Martin Heydon get his just rewards this evening for helping to negotiate the Programme for Government on behalf of Fine Gael? 

The outgoing junior minister for agriculture is tipped to become a senior minister in the same department. 

If he gets the nod from the new Taoiseach, Heydon will become the first Cabinet minister in Kildare since Charlie McCreevy in 2004.

The father of four (46) from Crookstown said that the Programme for Government delivers for Kildare families, businesses, and communities.
READ MORE: It's official! Bruce Springsteen's hometown twinned with Rathangan: Read all about it in this week's LEINSTER LEADER

He said he spent "many long days and late nights" on hammering out the blueprint. 
The Fine Gael negotiating team included outgoing Justice Minister Helen McEntee. 

According to Heydon, the Programme for Government will contain a commitment to implement the conservation management plan for the Curragh Plains.
Other measures include:
- Reduced childcare fees to support families;
- A 9% VAT rate to secure the future of small hospitality businesses;
- An emphasis on improving the lives of people with disabilities;
- And a serious plan to deliver the major infrastructure projects that the country needs.

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