Richard Bruton to stand down at next election

Fine Gael veteran Richard Bruton will be stepping down as a TD after the next general election.

The Dublin Bay North TD announced his decision to the Fine Gael constituency organisation in Dublin Bay North on Tuesday evening.

Bruton has held the distinction of representing Dublin Bay North and its predecessor constituency, Dublin North Central, since 1982.

In a statement, Bruton said “I have decided that I will not contest the next General Election. I would like to thank local voters for the trust you have shown in me to serve as your local TD for the past 41 years.”

“It has been a privilege to get the chance to represent you on the Council, in the Dáil, and in cabinet. I will continue to work hard for you up to the end of this Dáil term.”

“I would like to thank all those who have helped me in my work throughout my career, particularly my family, my friends, and Fine Gael members. That loyalty means so much to me. However, this is the right time, as new constituencies are forming, to give others the chance to take on the role. “

“I have been so lucky to be given the chance to hold office under four different Taoisigh, and to be part of some major changes in Irish society,” adding that “Ireland has made huge strides in that time.”

“As I announce my departure from politics, I would encourage anyone with an interest in public life to consider putting their name forward for election. There are many important reforms which only politics can deliver.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Bruton upon the announcement, saying Bruton made an “immense” impact on Irish politics.

“He introduced the first Action Plan for Jobs in 2011, when our country was dealing with the devastating impact of high unemployment and emigration. It surpassed all targets. 750,000 jobs have been created since then and we are now at record employment. This is Richard’s legacy.”

“He was pivotal in getting the National Broadband Plan off the ground in the face of much opposition. This vital piece of infrastructure will transform Ireland, particularly rural communities, for generations to come, bringing connectivity to every home, farm and business in Ireland.”

“Nothing matters more to Richard than his constituents in Dublin Bay North. I have no doubt this commitment will continue into the future, but he will be a big loss to his community come the next election.”

“Richard’s intelligence, his incredible work ethic and his ability to get things done, have made him an extremely effective representative in his many roles over the course of his career. He has achieved a huge amount and I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Varadkar added that “Fine Gael is confident that we will retain our seat in this five seat constituency in which we polled over the quota in 2020. We will proceed to select a candidate or candidates in the coming months to give them maximum time and the best chance of success.”

Bruton is the latest in a string of Fine Gael TDs to announce they will not be standing at the next election, with Cork TDs David Stanton and Michael Creed, Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan, Kerry TD Brendan Griffin, and Donegal TD Joe McHugh announcing their intentions to step down ahead of the next general election.

Bruton served in four separate cabinets between 1994 and 2020, serving as Minister for Enterprise on two separate occasions, a brief stint as Minister for Education in 2018, and more recently served as Minister for Communications.

The Dublin Bay North TD notably challenged for the leadership of Fine Gael on two occasions, losing in 2002 to Michael Noonan and in 2010 against Enda Kenny.

He was not selected to be a cabinet member following the 2020 Government formation but has been chairman of the Fine Gael parliamentary party since 2020.

The retirement is the 3rd high-profile Dublin politician to announce they will not contest the next election in as many weeks, with Labour’s Joe Costello and People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith also announcing they would not be standing in the next local and general elections respectively.