Ciarán Cannon, a TD for Fine Gael, has declared that he intends to retire from the political scene at the forthcoming general election. The toxicity currently experienced in politics influenced his decision.
This makes Mr Cannon the tenth Fine Gael TD to declare his retirement from political life after the upcoming election, presenting a challenge to party leaders who must find suitable replacements in a number of constituencies before the general election in less than a year.
Having launched his Dáil career in 2011, Mr Cannon has served in two different departments as a junior minister. Before that, he was a senator and the last leader of the Progressive Democrats, which faced a setback at the general polls in 2007. In the 2011 election, he joined Fine Gael and became a TD for the Galway East constituency. He has managed to retain his seat in the subsequent two general elections.
During his tenure, he served as a Minister of State in the Department of Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In his announcement this morning, Mr Cannon stated that he felt he had given his all after 20 years in the role. He deeply respects his constituents, who have repeatedly elected him, and believes in either giving his all or not at all.
He also pointed out in his resignation statement that the changing, more hostile attitude towards politicians was a part of his decision to leave politics. He observed a harsher, more toxic political climate compared to two decades ago.
He underscored the need for politicians to be treated with the same respect and civility as any other working professional. While they should be subject to public scrutiny, what is presently taking place is much harsher and is detrimental to their wellbeing. The unacceptable abuse extended to politicians’ families at times discourages good individuals from choosing politics as a career, according to Mr Cannon.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has extended his good wishes to Mr Cannon, acknowledging his departure from politics. Mr Varadkar expressed his gratitude to Ciarán for his instrumental role in helping Ireland win a place in the UN Security Council, as well as his dedicated efforts in promoting climate change mitigation, environmental safeguarding, and biodiversity preservation, despite these causes not always garnering support in his rural constituency.
Mr Cannon’s announcement signifies the tenth departure from re-election from the Fine Gael TD ranks, with John Paul Phelan, Michael Creed, Richard Bruton, Brendan Griffin, Joe McHugh, Fergus O’Dowd, David Stanton, Richard Bruton and Paul Kehoe having previously made similar declarations.
MEPs Frances Fitzgerald and Deirdre Clune have also professed that they will abstain from seeking re-election. Varadkar extolled Mr Cannon as a gentleman who will leave a lasting impression on everyone he has interacted with in the Dáil.