THE Progressive Democrats TD in Galway West, Mr Bobby Molloy, said he "deeply regrets" the circumstances which led to Mrs Geoghegan Quinn's decision to leave politics. "As a parent, I fully sympathise with her about the insensitive media invasions into her family life in recent weeks."
Mrs Geoghegan Quinn was "an able and articulate spokeswoman for her party and constituency" and was "admired and respected by her political opponents as much as by her own party supporters".
"Her decision will be seen as very courageous, and I hope that it will have a significant influence on future media treatment of sensitive family issues, particularly where minors are concerned," he said. Mrs Geoghegan Quinn's constituency colleague, Mr Frank Fahey, said he was "hopeful and confident" she would change her mind. He dismissed suggestions he would be the main beneficiary of her action.
The Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins, said he had learned of her decision with regret. He congratulated her for her services to her constituency during her 22 years as a TD. He understood and sympathised with her decision.
A Fianna Fail councillor in Galway West, Ms Connie Ni Fhatharta, said she was "shocked". The local organisation had no idea it was coming. "We were and are preparing for a general election. We had our three candidates picked since last September and we were going full steam ahead to look for our three seats," she said.
The Fianna Fail director of elections for Galway West, Mr Nevin Breen, said he was "absolutely stunned" at the news. "It's going to be very, very hard to replace Maire," he said. The Fianna Fail cumann in Carraroe issued a statement thanking Mrs Geoghegan Quinn for her support and service to the area. "Guionn an cumann saol fada agus slainte mhaith uirthi fein, ar a fear ceile agus ar a clann."
The Green Party candidate in Galway West, Mr Pat Fitzpatrick, said he wished her happiness in the years ahead.