Waterford Minister for State says she is ready to step into a cabinet role

Minister for State Mary Butler has said she is ready for a cabinet role in the next government.

Following the announcement of her re-election, the Waterford News and Star asked Deputy Butler if there was a portfolio she would like to work on.

“If I am called to serve I will serve. I believe I have shown my commitment. I have managed my department for the last four and a half years, I have increased the older persons budget by 50%, the mental health budget by 44% and I have managed a budged of €4 billion. I believe the time is right for me to make that step up to cabinet," said Deputy Butler

Deputy Butler is currently the Minister for State with responsibility for mental health and older people.

For now, she says she is focused on returning to that role.

Deputy Butler was re-elected on the tenth count in this weekend’s General Election with 10,830 votes (9,962 first preference) 

Commenting on her re-election to Dáil Éireann, Deputy Butler said: 

“I’m absolutely delighted. This is my third time being elected in Waterford to represent the people of Waterford City and county. I was first elected in 2016 then 2020 and now 2024.

“And, I just want to thank sincerely the 9,632 people who gave me their first preference vote. That weighs heavily on my shoulders and I will repay it, I will work so hard again for Waterford as I have done for the last eight years,” said Deputy Butler.