Marc MacSharry to bow out of politics after next election

Mr MacSharry is expected to pursue a career in the private sector

Marc MacSharry at Leinster House. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Former Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry will not contest the next election, he has announced.

The Sligo man has been in the Oireachtas since 2002.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve in the Oireachtas since 2002," he said.

"I am eternally grateful to all for the opportunity to serve as a TD and Senator over more than 21 years. I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and North Roscommon between now and the conclusion of this administration. 

"Through the years I have worked to the very best of my ability and now feel it is the correct time to open a new chapter in my life and pursue alternative opportunities."

Mr MacSharry was elected and served in the Seanad on three occasions between 2002 and 2016. He was elected to the Dáil in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.

Mr MacSharry resigned the parliamentary party whip last year in the run-up to a vote of confidence in Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney over the handling of Katherine Zappone’s special envoy appointment. 

He remained adamant at the time he would not leave the party. However, last year he resigned from the party, citing Micheál Martin's alleged failure to properly investigate a complaint made against him by a party councillor.

Mr MacSharry recently completed a Research Masters at University of Ulster and is expected to return to pursue a career in the private sector at the conclusion of the 33rd Dáil.