Elaine Loughlin: 'Political funeral procession' as Flanagan is latest to leave politics

After serving 36 years in Leinster House, the Laois-Offaly TD said "it’s time to pass the baton to a younger generation"

Charlie Flanagan's departure signals the loss of yet another experienced Fine Gael politician.
Picture: Niall Carson/PA

"Welcome to the club," echoed the voice of Denis Naughten though a Leinster House stairwell.

Naughten, who left Fine Gael back in 2018 and has decided not to stand in the next election, was bounding down the steps alongside Charlie Flanagan and Richard Bruton, the two latest members of Leo Varadkar's team to announce that they will be bowing out of politics at the end of this Dáil.