O'Flynn announces retirement from politics

Fianna Fáil Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn will not be contesting the next election, it was announced today.

In a statement, Deputy O’Flynn said he made his decision after consulting with family members, supporters and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

“This has been a very, very difficult decision to come to,” said Deputy O’Flynn.

“Politics has been a huge part of my life and the thought of not being involved in the forthcoming General Election campaign is disappointing.

"However ... I think the best interests of the party are served if I retire from politics and do not go forward for the General Election.”

Billy Kelleher, 43, will now be Fianna Fáil's only candidate to run in the Cork North Central constituency.

Deputy O'Flynn said he was retiring because he believed that running two FF candidates in Cork North Central risked the party having no seat.

"That is not in the interests of the party or the constituents of Cork North Central," he said.

"I made this clear during my discussions with Micheál Martin and I came to conclusion that we have to do what is right for the country, the people and the party.”

Mr Martin paid tribute to the retiring deputy, describing him as a great representative for the people of Cork North Central, and said he was putting the needs of the people and the party first.