Joe Carey to resign as TD following medical advice

Mr Carey informed Clare Fine Gael party members that his decision was based on medical advice and added that he 'had to put himself, his wife and family first and retire from a job that he loved'. Photo: Eamon Ward

Clare TD Joe Carey has announced his resignation, confirming his decision not to contest the next general election.

Mr Carey, who has been on sick leave since March of last year, confirmed he will not be a candidate in the next general election. The Irish Examiner last night revealed that his sister Leonora will contest the local selection convention to replace him.

His resignation means Clare will have only two TDs until the next election as it is unlikely there will be a by-election to replace him before then. Michael McNamara stepped down upon his election to the European Parliament and there has, as yet, been no by-election to replace him.

Mr Carey informed Clare Fine Gael party members that his decision was based on medical advice and added that he "had to put himself, his wife and family first and retire from a job that he loved".

Mr Carey said: “In the past year, I suffered a life-altering medical situation that I will be dealing with for the rest of my time on earth. While I would dearly wish to continue, my decision to step away is based on medical advice.

“I have had the absolute privilege to serve for the past 25 years as a public representative, eight as a county councillor and 17 as a TD. I want to express my sincere thanks to my constituents who elected me to represent them on Clare County Council and in Dáil Éireann on six separate occasions.” 

In his letter to party members, Mr Carey said he "wanted to express his gratitude to them for campaigning with him throughout his political career".

“It is hard to believe but 25 years have passed since I was first elected to Clare County Council. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to be elected as a Fine Gael TD for County Clare at four successive general elections."

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He paid special tribute to his sister Leonora and brother Donal, the extended Carey family and those in Fine Gael.

“The Fine Gael parliamentary party have been really supportive as have Oireachtas members from all political parties and none. I have been blown away by the messages, cards, texts, mass bouquets and get-well wishes.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish Taoiseach, Simon Harris all the best in the forthcoming general election. His impact has already been spectacular, and I strongly expect the 'Harris Hop' to be firmly enjoyed in County Clare and throughout the country when the next general election comes around.”

In a statement this morning, Leonora Carey confirmed that she would be contesting the Fine Gael selection convention to replace her brother on the general election ticket.

“Although I have held positions at officer level in Clare and Dublin Central for almost 30 years, I am fully aware that there is no greater honour than working on behalf of your neighbours, friends and community as a public representative,” Ms Carey said, in a statement to Clare FM.

“The issues facing people in Clare and the Mid-West require a new approach to how politicians can make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. Over the coming weeks, I will be engaging with party members to give me the opportunity to make that difference.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected as a Fine Gael candidate and win election to the Dáil, I will work full time to deliver a better future for the people of Clare,” Ms Carey added.

The selection convention in Clare is due to take place in the West County Hotel in Ennis on Friday, September 6.