Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that he will not stand in the next general election.
Varadkar confirmed this news in a new statement, becoming the latest Fine Gael TD who will not contest the next election.
This also comes after former Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment Simon Coveney also confirmed that he would not stand in the next election last week, having stepped down from Cabinet back in April.
Varadkar says the “time has come”
A week on, and Leo Varadkar has followed Simon Coveney in ruling himself out of the next general election.
At a meeting of the Fine Gael Dublin West Constituency Organisation last night, Leo Varadkar said that he wants to give potential nominees enough time to prepare for September’s constituency selection convention.
He also said that the “time has come” for him to “explore new options and opportunities”.
“I have never seen myself as a career politician and I am keen to see how I can make my contribution to society in other ways”, the former Taoiseach said. “I shall, of course, complete my term in Dáil and will continue to be a full time TD until it is dissolved”.
“I am making this decision at a time when the Fine Gael party is in good shape”.
Leo Varadkar had stepped down as Taoiseach back in March. More on that here.
Showing his support for the new government, Varadkar continued: “We have a new leader, a fresh ministerial team, professional and capable staff in headquarters and the Oireachtas”.
“The party is well-funded, well-organised and has had a successful local and European Elections. We are also in good shape here is Dublin West”.
“privilege of my life”
Fine Gael are to select an election candidate from Mr Varadkar’s Dublin West constituency.
Ahead of this, Mr Varadkar also expressed his confidence in his party’s ability to hold its seat in Dublin West. He also remains confident that the party can secure an historic forth term in office.
He also revealed that Senator Emer Currie and himself will open a new constituency office in Blanchardstown in the next few weeks.
“I believe every retiring TD has a responsibility to do all they can to ensure their seat is held by the party and with this in mind, Senator Emer Currie and I are coming together to provide an enhanced constituency service and a new constituency office in Main Street, Blanchardstown which will open in the next few weeks”, he said.
The former Fine Gael TD also described representing Dublin as the “privilege of my life”.
He said: “Finally, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the tens of thousands of people in Dublin West who trusted me with their vote and gave me the opportunity to serve”.
