Hard-working Minister Helen McEntee shares snap depicting life for political mums

Entitled ‘When you can’t get home before bed time' the snap depicts her young son Michael, who is almost one year old, staring at the TV as his mum appears on the screen

The Minister of Justice who has added the hashtags: #oireachtastv #latenightsittings #babyboy #PQs” received numerous messages praising her dedication.

“Hard-working mother, you're doing an amazing job so proud of Irish ladies looking forward to you leading our country someday," one person wrote.

“Well done. Not easy combining a job that eats into family time but there needs to be more young women like you in politics & ministerial roles,” another added

“Thank you for your dedicated service to us all…. Blessings on your family,” added another.

Of course one had to point out: "Not telling you your business now that tv could fall over very easily, it’s very precarious looking on right hand side highly recommended getting that tv bolted to wall or something as it’s a real hazard.

The multitasking mum previously revealed how she brought her new son to the gym as she worked out.

Taking to Instagram in November, the Minister for Justice shared an adorable snap as she worked out while son Michael watched on from a bouncer. “Prior to coming back to work I joined @KW_Fitness_ & some fantastic mammies in @CrossFitMeath for Barbells & Babies,” she captioned the image

“‘Sometimes you just need that extra bit of support & motivation. Couldn’t recommend Karolina enough!

The 35-year-old TD gave birth to her first child in April, just two days after she began her maternity leave. She became the first active cabinet member to take six months maternity leave, and give birth, while appointed to office.

Sharing a snap of her newborn at one week old, Helen said: “A week old today. @paulhickeyros and I want to say a massive thanks for all the congratulations and nice wishes on the arrival of baby Michael Shane Hickey.

“He was determined not to give his mammy any time off, arriving over two weeks early, but we’re home and he’s doing great so we couldn’t ask for more.”

Helen and her husband Paul welcomed their first child on April 27 at 7lbs 8oz, in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin.

The Meath woman named her son after her late father, and former Fine Gael TD Shane McEntee.

Before her return to work, Helen shared an Instagram video as she prepared to go to her office in Ratoath: “Mixed emotions today, but really looking forward to getting back to work,” she said.

“There's so much going on, not just locally, but nationally, and of course in the Department of Justice. So I'll be in the constituency [office] today and up to the department later in the week.”

Speaking about her six-month leave, Minister McEntee said that she hopes other ministers will be able to avail of maternity leave in the future too.

“It is really important that women see other women in roles and positions being able to take maternity leave, being able to return to their jobs and return to the positions they were working in before,” she said.

“Obviously, most importantly, what I hope to see in the future is that this won’t just apply to me, but that other ministers, other TDs, senators, councillors will be able to avail of maternity leave in a way that doesn’t currently exist.

After returning to work on November 2, Helen’s husband began six months parental leave to take over the ropes.

He currently works as Head of Market Access & External Affairs for pharmaceutical company Novartis Ireland.

Paul admitted that he got some negative comments about his decision to take time off to raise his son.

Of his Parental leave, Shane said: “You won’t get equality until that thinking changes. I wouldn’t say I’m being hugely courageous because I have the security of tenure in work and the support of my management to do it.”

The couple met in Dail Eireann as Paul was the former parliamentary assistant to Government Chief Whip Joe McHugh.

They tied the knot in August 2017 at her parish church in Castletown, Co. Meath with their reception being held at the glamorous Cabra Castle.

In the absence of her late father, Helen’s brother Vincent walked her down the aisle.