McEntee's first day in Dail

Fine Gael’s newly elected TD, Helen McEntee, thanked her supporters and all of those who voted for her, as she took up her seat in Dáil Eireann today.

The 26 year old was elected in the Meath East Bye-Election at the end of March to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her father.

“It is a huge honour today to take up the seat left vacant by my Dad’s untimely death. I am so grateful that the people of Meath East have given me their support, and I am determined that their mandate will not be wasted.

“I would like to thank each and every person who voted for me. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family, who have provided me with invaluable support. Without their encouragement and advice, I would not be here today. I also want to thank the many friends and Fine Gael supporters who travelled from across the country to knock on doors in Meath East for three tough weeks, through the hail, sleet and snow.

“Today is an emotional day for all of the McEntee family. But I am hoping to make it as positive a day as possible. Throughout the campaign, I promised to continue my father’s good work if elected to Dáil Éireann. I not only want to live up to that promise, I also want to chart my own course, and develop my own causes. In particular, as the youngest female TD in the Dáil, I want to work on behalf of the young people in Meath East, to ensure they have a voice at national level.' 
She said it had been a busy two weeks since the election and, as she had hoped, she hit the ground running.

'I have spent the last fortnight meeting local groups, attending AGMs and getting my constituency operation sorted out. I want to primarily focus on constituency issues and the problems facing the people of Meath East. During the campaign I heard many stories about the difficulties people are facing due to mortgage arrears, unemployment and emigration. I also want to focus on local issues such as the state of the roads, pyrite and the continuing campaign for a Slane bypass. And I have no doubt that many new issues will emerge in the years ahead that will demand hard work and attention'. Deputy McEntee was joined by members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party for a photo on the plinth at Leinster House.
Her family and friends travelled to Dublin for the event. She said they had tried to make it a positive day and she had her family and friends with her to support her.
The 26-year-old was elected last month, to fill the seat left vacant by the death of her father, the Junior Minister, Shane McEntee.
Just three months after her father’s tragic death, she led the race from the outset, topping the poll with 9,366 first preference votes and was elected on the third count without reaching the quota. 
Afterwards, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said “this was a tremendous result by a formidable young candidate. She is her father’s daughter and will not let down the people of Meath East, who voted for her.”
Mr Kenny said her election endorsed the respect of the people of Meath for the McEntee family.