Ex-TD ‘had to choose family or Dáil career’

Former TD Olwyn Enright says she was forced to choose between her family and career due to the culture of the Dáil.

The ex-Laois-Offaly Fine Gael deputy stood down at the last election, despite being widely tipped for a cabinet post in Enda Kenny’s government if she had remained.

Ms Enright, who is married to Fine Gael Donegal TD Joe McHugh, said she could not juggle her family commitments and job.

“Essentially that was the reason (for quitting). Politics is very much 24/7. The unpredictable nature of politics makes it a little bit more difficult to balance than other careers.”

Ms Enright, who has three children, said she discussed with her TD husband which one should stand down.

“I still work but a career in politics is too much of a commitment with children,” Ms Enright told RTÉ.

She made the remarks in light of the controversy surrounding Senator Susan O’Keeffe’s no-show at a crucial committee meeting which deprived her of a place on the Oireachtas banking inquiry.

Ms O’Keeffe missed the meeting because she stayed in Sligo to help her daughter with exams.

The move has plunged the probe into turmoil as it deprived the Government of an in-built majority on the investigation.