"I wish to inform you of my resignation as a member of the Fine Gael party with immediate effect.

The past two and a half years have been very rewarding, however I feel that there is no place for me to make a viable impact at present. Therefore I have decided to step out of politics and rebuild a paid career which has been on hold. I will not be joining any other party, Fine Gael was always my only choice.

I wish to thank you for the immense support and encouragement I have been shown by you and so many members, including elected representatives.

I am disappointed for the many capable women in the party,none of whom was deemed worthy of a nomination for the current Seanad by-election. While not personally hopeful, I had hoped that the right signals would be sent out in selecting a female candidate for this vacancy.

I will continue to support Fine Gael as a voter, and congratulate An Taoiseach and the party in getting Ireland back to the stability we are now experiencing."