Fianna Fáil TD Noel O’Flynn (Cork North Central) has this morning said he will not stand in the upcoming general election.
Mr O'Flynn's decision came after new Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin asked him to consider not standing alongside Minister for Trade and Commerce Billy Kelleher for the sake of the party in the election.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Martin said: "Noel spoke to me during the week. I went to Noel because when I came into office I went through the various data over a period of time, assessed the situation in Cork North Central, and it seemed to me the obvious situation there is that we are working to retain one seat. We won't retain two."
"I put that to Noel, and he very generously said, having reflected on it, that in the best interests of the party he would support a younger man like Billy Kelleher and he would get his organisational supporters to row in behind Billy in the interests of the party and the constituency, and that he believed Fianna Fáil should have one representative coming out of Cork North Central in the next Dáil.
"He took that very generous decision, and I commend him for it. That enables us in Cork North Central to put the entire effort behind one candidate, junior Minister Billy Kelleher, who is a strong candidate and has a bright future ahead of him in Irish politics.
He paid tribute to Mr O'Flynn (59), saying they had been friends for many years on Cork City Council. "He had his own principles and views, which, as you know, he articulated independently and honestly.
"He saw it himself when he looked how the scenario that was unfolding in terms of vote breakdown, and I think he took a sensible decision in the interests of the party because he has given the latter part of his life to politics, both locally and nationally, and it was a very difficult and painful decision for any individual, particularly a person of Noel's fighting qualities."
The Fianna Fáil leader said he had made no promises to Mr O'Flynn for stepping aside, but he noted the O'Flynn family is committed to politics and public life and said there will be another day for it.
In a statement, the outspoken TD said: “This has been a very, very difficult decision to come to. Politics has been a huge part of my life and the thought of not being involved in the forthcoming general election campaign is disappointing.
"However, after discussing the topic with my family, my friends, my supporters in Cork North Central and Fianna Fáil Party Leader, Micheál Martin, I think the best interests of the party are served if I retire from politics and do not go forward for the general election.
“I would like to think that I have shown leadership during my time in Fianna Fáil and in politics. I was one of the first to publicly back Micheál Martin for the leadership of Fianna Fáil."
Mr O'Flynn encouraged his party colleagues "to put the people and the party first" and reconsider contesting the election if it will hurt Fianna Fáil’s prospects in a constituency. "Politics is a tough game but sometimes the hard decisions are the best solution."
Mr Kelleher paid tribute to his constituency colleague after his decision to retire from politics.
"Noel has been a marvellous constituency colleague over the years," said Mr Kelleher. "He has worked tirelessly for the people of Cork North Central and has made a fantastic contribution to public life in Cork.
"I'd like to thank him for taking this gracious decision and stepping aside from contesting the forthcoming general election," Mr Kelleher said.
During the recent leadership debate within Fianna Fáil, Mr O'Flynn had called for Mr Martin to take over from Brian Cowen as leader.
A total of 35 TDs from all parties have now confirmed they will not contest the election.