Fine Gael TD Brian Walsh resigns seat on medical grounds

Fine Gael Galway West TD Brian Walsh has resigned his Dáil seat on medical grounds.

Mr Walsh announced last November he was standing down as a candidate in the general election because of ill-health. He said he had been experiencing health problems for some time and had been hospitalised twice.

“I have done everything possible to resist making this decision and had hoped to overcome my condition in order to be able to continue,” he said.

“But in recent days it has become clear that I have no choice but to accede to medical advice and withdraw my candidacy in the forthcoming general election.”

Ceann Comhairle

Announcing Mr Walsh’s resignation in the Dáil, Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett wished him well and thanked him for his service to the House.

“I wish his family and himself every success in the future,” he added.

Mr Walsh was elected to Galway County Council in 2004 and served as mayor of Galway a year later. He was elected as a TD in 2011.

He lost the Fine Gael whip in 2013 after voting against the Government’s Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill and was readmitted to the parliamentary party in 201