Éamon Ó Cuív, previous minister, has announced his plans to retire from politics and will not compete in the forthcoming general election. Revealing his decision on Wednesday, Ó Cuív thanked his supporters for their continued backing in his political career and confirmed he will keep working in his role until his official retirement.
Since 1992, Ó Cuív has served as a Fianna Fáil TD in the Galway West constituency. Over the years, he has fulfilled various roles within the party. This includes a stint as the deputy leader from 2011-2012, minister of state from 1997-2002, and the minister for social protection from 2010-2011. From 2002-2010, he was the minister for community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs, and briefly served as the minister for the environment, community and local government, and the minister for defence from January to March 2011.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin praised Ó Cuív after learning about his retirement, labelling him an exceptional public representative for the constituents of Galway West and Cornamona. Martin recounted his experiences of working alongside Ó Cuív in the Dáil and cabinet, where he played a pivotal role in party rejuvenation in 2011.
Furthermore, Martin hailed Ó Cuív’s dedication to promoting peace and conciliation in Ireland, citing his significant influence in the run-up to the Belfast Agreement. Ó Cuív’s time as minister for the Gaeltacht and rural affairs heralded a new period of support for the Irish language, marked by his innovative approach to the language Act.
Martin concluded with a tribute to Ó Cuív’s family – his wife Áine and their children – for their unwavering support throughout his political journey.