Blow to Fine Gael as long-serving Kerry councillor set to leave politics

Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen's decision will bring to an end 75 years of unbroken service by the O'Connor-Scarteen family in Kerry politics

Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen: Told supporters in a letter that he would not be continuing in politics due to a wish to 'put his family first'. Picture: Larry Cummins

Patrick O'Connor-Scarteen, the long-serving Fine Gael councillor, has announced his intention to leave politics.

The move will be a blow to Fine Gael as many had seen Mr O'Connor-Scarteen as the replacement for sitting TD Brendan Griffin, who has also announced his intention to leave politics. It will also bring to an end 75 years of unbroken service by the O'Connor-Scarteen family in Kerry politics.

Mr O'Connor-Scarteen told supporters in a letter that he would not be continuing in politics due to a wish to "put his family first".

"This has been a big decision for me, and it has not been taken lightly. Since the last election, there have been significant changes to my personal and professional life and now a new chapter in my life is opening. I wish to put my family and career first. I hope those who support me will not be too disappointed and will understand."

The Fine Gael councillor was first elected in 2009 and retained his seat in the 2014 and 2019 elections. He served as mayor of Kerry in 2020/2021, something he said was "the highlight of his political career".

"I know I can be proud of my many achievements as a public representative and those of my family before me," he wrote, thanking the people of Kerry, his friends, and family.

Mr O'Connor-Scarteen told the Irish Examiner that he was at ease with his decision and would continue to work until his departure next June.

"There's no negative reason for me leaving, it's just my circumstances have changed personally, so it's all good. I've always put the party first, but I had to make a decision for myself.

"There's been a huge amount of help for me over the years, from my parents and the local party and my wife Katie."

The decision means that Fine Gael loses a potential replacement for Mr Griffin, who in January announced that he would not contest the next general election, citing family reasons.

“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 at the time.

In 2011, Mr Griffin was selected on the Fine Gael ticket in Kerry South as a running partner for sitting TD Tom Sheahan. Mr Griffin topped the poll with 8,808 first-preference votes, over 3,000 more than his party colleague had secured.

The party will select a candidate for Kenmare on Friday, which will mark the 75th anniversary of Mr O'Connor-Scarteen's grandfather Pat's election to Kerry Council.