'The time is right '- John Halligan to retire from national politics

The Junior Minister had been a partner in government as part of the Independent Alliance.

Independent Alliance junior minister and Waterford TD John Halligan has confirmed he will not contest the General Election and retire from national politics.

His alliance colleague Shane Ross let the cat out the bag on Tuesday by saying he was saddened by Mr Halligan's decision to stand down, only for a spokeswoman to say he misspoke.