Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe decides not to contest next election

"I know that Wexford is in a better place than when I was first elected," said Wexford TD Paul Kehoe.

Speculation around Paul Kehoe's future had been mounting after general election boundary redraws split his constituency. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Wexford TD Paul Kehoe has announced that he will not be contesting the next general election.

Mr Kehoe, who was first elected in 2002, is the latest Fine Gael politician to announce that he will be standing aside following the decision of others including Michael Creed, John Paul Phelan, Brendan Griffin, and Fergus O’Dowd.

Addressing a Fine Gael meeting of Wexford members, Mr Kehoe said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but I feel that now is the right time for me and my family”.

Speculation around Mr Kehoe's future had been mounting after the general election boundary redraws were published which split his constituency.

The former chief whip told the meeting: “I have worked tirelessly for my constituents helping thousands of people, businesses, and organisations throughout Co Wexford, and am grateful to my staff who have worked with me through the years in doing so.

“I know that Wexford is in a better place than when I was first elected. There’s always more to do, but progress in the last two decades has been immense, with many more exciting plans ahead.

Paying tribute to Mr Kehoe, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said both men “came from very different backgrounds” but “quickly became personal friends and political allies".

 “The pivotal role that Paul played as Enda Kenny’s chief whip, for 12 years in government and opposition, is underestimated and known only to his closest colleagues," he said. 

"He maintained cohesion and discipline while always being sensitive to people’s personal problems and concerns.”