Thu Sep 19 06:45:00 UTC 2024: ## Over Half of Fine Gael TDs to Skip Next Election, Raising Questions about Party’s Future

**Dublin, Ireland** – A significant number of Fine Gael TDs have announced they will not be contesting the next general election, with the latest announcement from Meath West TD Damien English bringing the total to 17. This represents more than half of the party’s 33 current TDs.

The departures raise questions about the party’s ability to compete in the upcoming election. While the promotion of Simon Harris to Taoiseach has seemingly injected new energy into the party, some TDs who have chosen to step down have indicated that their decisions were personal, citing family, health, and a desire for a change of pace.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who also announced his decision to retire from politics, has stated that it is “normal” for political parties to see a turnover of members. However, the sheer number of Fine Gael departures is unprecedented.

Among the prominent figures who will not be seeking re-election are:

* **Joe McHugh**: The Donegal TD cited family as his reason for stepping down.
* **Brendan Griffin**: The Kerry TD also cited family reasons for his decision.
* **John Paul Phelan**: The Carlow-Kilkenny TD attributed his departure to health concerns.
* **Michael Creed**: The Cork North West TD stated that politics requires renewal and it was time for him to move on.
* **David Stanton**: The Cork East TD, who has been in office for over 25 years, announced his retirement due to age.
* **Richard Bruton**: The Dublin Bay North TD, with a 41-year career in politics, said it was time to give others a chance.
* **Charlie Flanagan**: The Laois-Offaly TD, who has served in public office for 36 years, cited his desire to pass the baton to a younger generation.
* **Fergus O’Dowd**: The Louth and East Meath TD, with a 50-year career in public service, announced his retirement.
* **Paul Kehoe**: The Wexford TD cited a desire for change and to focus on his family.
* **Ciaran Cannon**: The Galway East TD attributed his decision to a sense of “coarseness” and “toxicity” in politics.
* **Josepha Madigan**: The former Junior Minister, who served for nearly ten years, offered no explanation for her decision.
* **Simon Coveney**: The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, with a 26-year career in politics, cited his desire to explore new opportunities.
* **Michael Ring**: The former Minister for Community and Rural Development, with 45 years of public service, decided to retire.
* **Joe Carey**: The Clare TD, who has been on sick leave since March 2023, cited a “life-altering medical situation” as the reason for his departure.

The departures have sparked debate about the future of Fine Gael and its ability to maintain a strong presence in Irish politics. The party is facing significant challenges as it prepares for the next election, including dealing with a changing political landscape and competing with a resurgent Fianna Fáil. How Fine Gael responds to these challenges and the impact of these departures on its future remains to be seen.

**This email alert was generated based on information from The Journal.**

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