FORMER MINISTER PAT Carey has dismissed fresh speculation that he plans to run for Fianna Fáil at the next general election.
The former Dublin North West TD, who lost his Dáil seat in 2011, has been back in the public eye in recent months after revealing publicly that he is gay last February.
He has since taken up a prominent role as campaigner for a Yes vote in the same-sex marriage referendum and spoken of the struggle faced by older people who are gay.
This had prompted fresh rumours that Carey could make a comeback and seek the Fianna Fáil nomination in his old stomping ground.
In addition, local political sources suggested that councillor David Costello’s decision to seek the Fianna Fáil nomination in Dublin Central - and not Dublin North West – was prompted by Carey making noises about running in his former constituency.
However, Carey told TheJournal.ie earlier today:
I can take everybody out of their misery, no, I won’t be running.
The former government chief whip admitted that his recent “blaze of publicity” had prompted many to speculate that he was about to declare his intention to run, but said he is enjoying his current life “enormously”.
“I have no intention of doing it [running] at all. I am 68 years of age and I think the people and I need a break from each other,” he added.
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