Dissolution of 31st Dáil 'end of an era' for some politicians

The dissolution of the 31st Dáil also marks the end of an era for some politicians.

After 27 years as a TD, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, will not be seeking re-election in Dublin South West constituency.

The former Labour leader has said facing retirement is a strange feeling: “After 27 years it is difficult to accept that you’re staring in the face of retirement, but I suppose it comes to us all.”

Long-serving Fine Gael TD, Olivia Mitchell, is another deputy will not be seeking re-election.

The Dublin South TD has been a member of the Dáil since 1997.

She has said leaving Dáil Eireann for the last time is an emotional day: “Hard to describe, it is an emotional day obviously, but I am making the right decision, but I will miss it.”