Kerry TD Brendan Griffin will not contest next general election

“The reasons for this is a straightforward one. I have two young sons and I want to be around them more for the remaining years of their childhood,” he said.

Brendan Griffin: 'Politics demand absolute commitment.' Picture: OA Wireie

Fine Gael TD for Kerry Brendan Griffin has confirmed that he will not contest the next general election.

It was first revealed by the Irish Examiner on Friday that Mr Griffin was one of nine Fine Gael TDs who are not expected to run in the next election, in what will be a significant blow to party leader Leo Varadkar