TD leaves Dáil to face new challenges

FIANNA FÁIL’S Dublin North TD, GV Wright, is to stand down after the current Dáil term.

He has become the second TD in the constituency to announce his departure from politics. Local Labour Party deputy Sean Ryan has also decided not to contest the next election.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Wright said he wished to make a career change at a time when he felt capable of taking on new challenges. He added that he believed it was time for a younger person to take on the job.

Mr Wright was appointed to the Seanad by then Taoiseach Charles Haughey in 1982 before being elected to Dublin County Council in 1985. He then served as a TD from 1987 to 1989, when he lost his seat. He was re-elected in 1997 and has served continuously since then.

However, his career has also been marred by controversy. Lobbyist and former government press secretary Frank Dunlop claimed at the Mahon tribunal that he made a payment of £7,000 to Mr Wright during his time on Dublin County Council.

Two years ago, Mr Wright was banned from driving for two years and fined €900 when he pleaded guilty to a drink driving offence in which a pedestrian was injured.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern paid tribute to the Malahide-based TD, saying he was a “hard-working, competent and popular public representative” for almost a quarter of a century.