The chairman of the powerful Oireachtas Agricultural Committee and Fianna Fáil TD, Jackie Cahill, has proclaimed his decision not to run in the approaching general election in a surprising announcement on Monday night. The 61-year-old Cahill, who’s been a representative for Tipperary since 2016, was anticipated to comfortably secure the Fianna Fáil selection convention for the fresh Tipperary North constituency, one of Fianna Fáil’s final conventions. In explaining his abrupt resignation, Cahill cited personal reasons and undisclosed advice received.
Cahill, apologising for the unexpected decision, expressed: “Regrettably, after significant thought and based on advice given, I’ve determined not to challenge the forthcoming general election. I’m fully conscious this comes as a surprise and I deeply regret the sudden nature of my decision, but personal situations necessitated this move. I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude for the assistance you have provided over the years.”
Initially gaining attention in agricultural politics, Cahill served as the national president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association. Since 2020, he has been a prominent leader of the Agriculture Committee, one of the Dáil’s most active parliamentary committees, dealing with critical issues facing Irish farming, including the implications of the EU’s Nitrates Directive.
Though 18 TDs have announced their intention to retire, only a few from Fianna Fáil, such as experienced TDs Seán Haughey of Dublin Bay North and Éamon Ó Cuív of Galway West, have declared their plan not to run.