Second FF TD Pulls Out Today

The Minister for Housing has become the second Fianna Fail TD to announce this morning that he will not stand for election.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment Michael Finneran said this morning that he made his decision after a long consultation and deliberation with his family over the Christmas period.

The decision means Mr Finneran is the fourth Fianna Fail TD to pull out of the election after Minister for Defence Tony Killeen announced his refusal to stand this morning, while Noel Dempsey and Dermot Ahern declared their bowing out at the end of last year.

The Fianna Fail party is expected to take a considerable hammering in the next general election over the IMF and European bailout payments.

In a statement released this morning, Mr Finneran said: "During my tenure, I can honestly say that it was always my objective to enrich and enhance the lives of my constituents and in this, I believe I tried my best.

"I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my family, my constituents, and the loyal members of Fianna Fáil, who worked with me at all levels during my time as a public representative. A very special word of thanks to the people of Roscommon who unequivocally put their trust in me throughout my political career."

The TD served as a Fianna Fáil representative for over 32 years, working in the Roscommon constituency at county council level from 1979 to 2003.

He was then elected to Seanad Éireann in 1989 and in 2002 was elected to Dáil Eireann to represent the constituency of Longford/Roscommon. He was re-elected in 2007 to represent the Roscommon/South Leitrim.

"You can be assured I will continue to represent my constituents up until the next general election," added Minister Finneran.

(DW)