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FINE GAEL TD Michael Creed has confirmed he will not be contesting the next general election, the latest in a series of his party’s Dáil representatives to do so.
The Cork North West TD and former Agriculture Minister said in a statement that he told his local constituency executive last night that he would not be running for re-election
The 59 year old said: “I will always be grateful to the people of Cork North West for giving me the privilege of representing them in Dáil Éireann. It is my firm intention to continue to work on their behalf until the end of the current Dáil term.
“My commitment to the Fine Gael party and its leadership is unchanged. I informed the Taoiseach of my decision some days ago. I wish the Fine Gael party and all my Oireachtas colleagues the very best. Politics by its nature requires renewal and it’s time for me to move on.”
Creed was first elected to the Dáil in 1989 and held his seat until 2002, when he lost out to his Fine Gael running mate Gerard Murphy. He was re-elected in 2007 and named Fine Gael’s agriculture and fisheries spokesperson.
After a period as a backbench TD, he was named Agriculture Minister after the 2016 general election.
In a statement, Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar said: “Michael has been an exceptional representative for Cork North West who has worked tirelessly for his constituents.
“In recent years he can point to the opening of the Macroom-Ballyvourney bypass as a major achievement. He secured State investment in local schools and other essential facilities, and worked hard to bring jobs to the constituency.
“Michael was a committed Minister for Agriculture who championed Irish farming and fishing, and sought to protect and grow these sectors in the face of various challenges. Above all, Michael is a true gentleman, who will be missed from the Parliamentary Party. I wish him well in the future.”
As well as Creed, Fine Gael TDs Joe McHugh, John Paul Phelan and Brendan Griffin have all said they will not be seeking re-election to the next Dáil.
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Retirement at 59, not for the rest of us as he voted to increase the retirement age.
I see the minister for health out this morning backing his ff colleague. These people sure know how to circle the wagons and look out for each other.
Rats leaving sinking, incompetent ship.
@Richard Starling: Looks like that alright. They know they will be on opposition benches next time round. Interesting times ahead.
@David Corrigan: Pension secured job done
@Derek Poutch: He will be put on a board of a vulture fund or something like that as a reward for his services. More cabbage for the coffers.
Fair play to the Ditch for doing worthwhile journalism unlike some outlets.
Will the next lobbyist for ag interests please stand up!?
Will be more than him.
Decent people being hounded out by the baying mob.
@Hotirish: decent people lol I’d say you’d be hard pressed to find a decent person in the oireachtas let alone fine gael or any of the other party’s for that matter…
@Hotirish: Clearly they can’t do their jobs so they have to go. That’s how things work in the real world.
@Hotirish: The so called decent people you speak of put themselves in the position where they should be held accountable. Martin and Varadkar attack the opposition and hold them to account at every opportunity..which they are entitled to do, but when the likes of Niall Collins are held to account FFG media including RTE seem to go to ground. It was the so called decent people as you put it held positions in government created scandal after scandal..and you blame the opposition. Sweet Jesus.
Rats jumping ship!
Easy criticise elected representatives but one they get elected fairly and thems the perks
have your say