Jack Chambers becomes deputy leader of Fianna Fail

Minister of State Jack Chambers has been announced as the new deputy leader of Fianna Fail.

The 33-year-old Dublin West TD is taking on a role that has remained unfilled for a number of years.

Mr Chambers, who is minister of state for road safety, was unveiled as the new deputy leader by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin at a press conference outside Leinster House on Wednesday evening.

Mr Martin said Mr Chambers had displayed “extraordinary commitment and dedication to political life” in his time in Fianna Fail.

He also praised his work as the party’s director of elections in the recent local elections.

“So his appointment now at this stage is part of the reorganisation of Fianna Fail in terms of resetting ourselves in the context of the next eight months and, in particular, the next general election and we’re very focused on that and I’m very focused on that,” Mr Martin said.

“And Jack will now be a critical part of our broader effort to both defend the seats we have and increase seats in Dail Eireann on the next occasion.”

Mr Chambers said Fianna Fail’s performance in the local and European elections had “exceeded all expectations”.

“But that’s in the past, we’ve drawn a line under that, and we’re ambitious as a party about the future,” he said.

“This government has about eight months to go and we’re keen as a party to really drive new organisation, new ambition and new plans for the future to look at the next five years.

“So part of my remit now as deputy leader will be to drive activity within our organisation, but also engaging and listening to the wider public about what type of country and community they want to see over the next five years.”

Mr Martin added: “I’ve been watching Jack in particular for the last 12 to 18 months, and his commitment and dedication on the ground both in this capacity as chief whip.

“Very, very effective chief of government in the initial phase of this government, three new parties coming together for the first time ever, a lot of challenges in that and he was very, very solid in terms of managing those challenges.

“But in particular, the feedback around the country in terms of the manner in which he worked as a director of elections, I think merited this appointment.”

Mr Martin added that he will lead his party in to the next general election.

“What this is is evidence of the fact that I’m very focused in terms of how we reorganise ourselves, and how we can put in first class performance, not for ourselves alone,” he continued.

“We believe, in terms of the big challenges facing this country in terms of housing, in terms of health, we’re up for those challenges.

“We took them on in this government. There’s no doubt momentum has shifted significantly on the housing question, but we need to do an awful lot more.

“Likewise, on health has been very significant achievements, and the cost of living is still impacting people.

“We believe the economic model we have is worth fighting for.”