FG parliamentary party elects Hayes as chair

Tipperary South TD Mr Tom Hayes has been elected chairperson of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

Tipperary South TD Mr Tom Hayes has been elected chairperson of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

Senator Sheila Terry is the new vice-chairperson while Meath TD Mr Damien English will take up the role of secretary to the parliamentary party.

"This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping how Fine Gael moves forward in the months ahead and I am honoured to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as chairman to the second largest party in the State," Mr Hayes said.

Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said that he looked forward to working with Mr Hayes in his new role and paid tribute to outgoing chairman, Mr Padraic McCormack TD.