Averil Power rules out running in next general election

High-profile former Independent senator and marriage equality campaigner Averil Power has ruled out running in the next general election after taking up a “challenging” €95,000 a year charity sector role.

The former politician, who failed to be elected to the Dáil after leaving Fianna Fáil last summer, confirmed her intention as she was announced as chief executive of the Asthma Society of Ireland.

Half a year after losing out in the race for a Dublin Bay North seat just months after her sudden departure from Fianna Fáil in the aftermath of the marriage equality campaign, Ms Power was yesterday appointed to the high-profile position.