Burke appointed assistant Fine Gael whip

Deputy Peter Burke, Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, has been appointed as assistant whip for the Fine Gael party by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The position was formerly held by Deputy Tony McLoughlin, who has now replaced Sean Canney as assistant government whip.

Speaking on the announcement, Burke said he is looking forward to taking up his new role which will involve communicating extensively with members of the parliamentary party and organising votes.

“I was delighted when An Taoiseach phoned me last weekend to tell me he has selected me to fill this role,” he said.

“While undoubtedly it will be a challenge balancing constituency projects and queries, Dáil and Oireachtas committee work as well as family life, I am looking forward to the challenge and interacting more with my colleagues in Fine Gael.

“I will be supporting the government chief whip, Minister Sean Kyne, in his role to ensure votes legislation is passed efficiently to the benefit of our country and citizens.”

A chartered accountant based in Mullingar, Deputy Burke and his wife Olivia welcomed a new addition to their family, Ted, at the end of January, who Burke says is doing very well. 

“I am hugely fortunate for the support I receive from my wife and family, especially in recent weeks when our household has grown to four.

“I commute daily from Mullingar so while it is a busy time, I can at least I can be there for the night-time feeds.

“I have always got on well with all my Fine Gael colleagues and with the current minority government, it is hugely important that all members are prepared and ready for votes as the margins are extremely tight and there is a very ambitious legislative programme currently under way.” 

Deputy Burke also sits on the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, the Finance Committee and the Rural Affairs Committee.