Healy-Rae to retire at next general election

Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae has announced his intention to retire at the next general election.

The 77-year-old has been a TD in Kerry since 1997, when he broke with Fianna Fáil after the party refused to nominate him as a candidate.

He is currently the oldest TD in the Dáil.

His son Michael, a councillor in Killorglin, is expected to contest the next election in his place.