Fianna Fáil TD Davern steps down from national politics

Noel Davern has announced he is stepping down from politics at the next election.

The former Minister and MEP is to retire as Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary South after 37 years.

Mr Davern served as Minister for Education from 1991-1992, the shortest serving education Minister, and held the position of Minister for State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development in the current Government.

He was first elected in 1969 and ten years later he became one of the first people to be elected directly to the European Parliament.

He celebrated his 60th birthday over Christmas.