The Labour TD for Kerry South, Breeda Moynihan Cronin, is to retire from the Dáil at the next election, writes Liam Reid, Political reporter
The Killarney-based politician, who has spent 13 years in the Dáil, said her decision to retire was reluctant and was for health reasons.
"This decision has not been an easy one, but unfortunately my state of health does not allow me to discharge my duties and workload as a public representative in the way that I would wish, and in the manner that the people of Kerry South need and deserve," she said yesterday.
Ms Moynihan Cronin was first elected to the Dáil in 1992 to a Labour seat held by her father Michael Moynihan from 1981 to 1987 and 1989 to 1992.
Although Kerry South has one of the strongest local organisations in the country for Labour, there is no front runner as a potential candidate to replace Ms Moynihan Cronin.
Party leader Pat Rabbittee said yesterday that Ms Breeda Moynihan Cronin "has played a key role in the Labour Party at a national level as well as serving her constituents through diligence and hard work".