Coveney: I hope I have earned my place in politics, in the Dáil, in the European Parliament, and around the cabinet table

Simon Coveney has announced his departure from politics after a quarter of century representing Cork

Simon Coveney said: 'I am somebody who wants society to change and move in the right direction, who wants Ireland to be a positive, progressive, ambitious country that is successful, that provides careers for young people as they grow up, that responds to social needs in terms of vulnerable people.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Thrust into politics a quarter of a century ago as a result of a family tragedy, he has announced his departure on his own terms.

Outgoing Fine Gael TD, former minister and former Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who has represented Cork South Central since the 1998 by-election triggered by the tragic drowning the year before of his TD father Hugh in Cork Harbour, accepts himself that he was probably first elected on the back of a sympathy vote.