Frances Fitzgerald confirms she will not run in next year's European elections

Irish MEP Frances Fitzgerald in Dublin. Picture: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire

MEP Frances Fitzgerald has announced she will not run in next year's European Elections, ending a long political career.

The Fine Gael representative has confirmed that she will not seek reelection next June but has vowed to continue her long-standing commitment to equality and women’s rights. 

The former tánaiste and justice minister said: “Since 1992 I have been privileged to serve as a councillor, TD and senator, and most recently as MEP for Dublin. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by voters in the constituencies of Dublin Bay South and Dublin Mid West, and particularly the loyalty and support shown to me in the Dublin Constituency at the 2019 European Parliament Elections."

Thanking her colleagues, family and friends she said politics can be a singularly individual and, at times, lonely space, but it is also one in which strong, trusted and lasting relationships form and make tackling the challenges of democracy and governing possible.

"Much remains to be done. Children’s rights, business and ethical international trade, and health issues will continue to be priorities for me.

“It will come as no surprise, that I will also continue my long-standing commitment to equality and women’s rights, working to address the reality of our unfinished democracy by advancing the role of women as leaders in political and public life," Ms Fitzgerald said.

Paying tribute to his party colleague, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who interned in Ms Fitzgerald's offices as a student, said: "I know Frances felt that this was the right time for her and in many ways, that’s what matters the most.

"I was honoured when she agreed to serve as my Tánaiste when I became Taoiseach in 2017. In resigning from cabinet later that year, she did so selflessly in order to avoid an unnecessary General Election. Her position and actions were subsequently vindicated the following year. It helped to teach me the importance of due process, the danger of the rush to judgement that happens so often in politics but most of all the dignity and respect that comes when someone putting their party and country first."

He added that Ms Fitzgerald changed Fine Gael and Ireland for the better helping to make us a more modern, equal and tolerant place.

"As Ireland’s first Government Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, she established Tusla and ensured that our Constitution vindicated the rights and interests of children. She was the Minister responsible for the Marriage Equality referendum and brought through the Oireachtas the laws that gave effect to that historic vote. She served as an effective Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and a loyal and capable Tánaiste.

He said: “Frances came to politics believing that our country needed to be a safer place for women and a place in which women and girls had equality of opportunity. Thanks to Frances Fitzgerald and the women around her, we are on the cusp on achieving exactly that. The work goes on and I know Frances’ decision not to contest re-election next year does not mean that she not remain actively involved and interested in public affairs, equality and social justice."