Woods joins exodus of Fianna Fáil TDs

MICHAEL Woods last night joined the exodus of senior Fianna Fáil figures standing down at the looming election as it emerged that Defence Minister Tony Killeen will receive a golden goodbye of some €237,000 when he exits the Dáil.

Mr Woods, who was a Cabinet minister for 14 years, is the fourth major FF figure to decide not to contest the likely March poll.

The Dublin TD’s move follows Mr Killeen’s decision to retire for medical reasons, and announcements by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and Transport Minister Noel Dempsey that they will leave the Dáil.