Lynch: Labour must pass on torch to the new generation

Former minister and Labour TD Kathleen Lynch is quitting politics and will not contest the Cork North Central by-election or general election, saying Labour must pass on the torch to survive. Speaking exclusively to the Irish Examiner, Ms Lynch said that despite previously vowing to reclaim the seat she lost in 2016, she now believes her party must focus on newer candidates.

Ms Lynch, who served as junior minister for mental health and disabilities during the Fine Gael-Labour government, between 2011 and 2016, was first elected to the Dáil in a 1994 by-election.