Willie O'Dea rules himself out of Limerick mayoral race

Veteran Fianna Fáil TD had been seen as natural choice for next year's election but said he wants to continue his work in the Dáil

Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea said he would 'absolutely not' be in the running as mayor of Limerick. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Limerick City TD Willie O'Dea has ruled himself out of the race to become the first mayor of Limerick.

Mr O'Dea has been a TD for the county and city for 40 years and within his Fianna Fáil party was seen as a natural choice to run in next year's election, but today firmly ruled himself out of contention.