Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick won't contest next general election

Mr Fitzpatrick was first elected as a Fine Gael TD in 2011 but left the party in 2018 over disagreements around repealing the Eighth Amendment to legalise abortion.

Independent TD for Louth Peter Fitzpatrick has confirmed that he will stand down at the next general election.

Mr Fitzpatrick was first elected as a Fine Gael TD in 2011 but left the party in 2018 over disagreements around repealing the Eighth Amendment to legalise abortion.

The former Louth manager said in a statement that he did not make the decision lightly.

“It is with a mix of emotions, a deep sense of responsibility and reflection that I announce that I will not contest the next general election,” Mr Fitzpatrick said, in a statement to LMFM.

“I am very proud to have gained election to Dáil Éireann on three separate occasions, including doing the seemingly impossible and being voted in as an Independent.

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“This milestone was both challenging and rewarding and was a collective effort supported by an incredible network of individuals.

“I am very proud of my efforts in helping to create a more caring and compassionate Ireland. Among my most important campaigns was the opposition of the legalisation of abortion in Ireland of which I felt very strongly about.” 

Mr Fitzpatrick was the first Independent TD to be elected in Co Louth since James Coburn in 1932, who later joined Fine Gael.

The Dundalk-based TD also thanked his colleagues within the Regional Group, saying that they provided “support, guidance, friendship and commitment to regional issues”.

“It has been an immense privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to advancing our shared goals.” 

Mr Fitzpatrick is the third TD in Louth to announce they will step back from politics, following on from announcements by Sinn Féin’s Imelda Munster and Fine Gael’s Fergus O’Dowd in recent months.

He is the 27th TD to confirm he will not seek re-election.