Rabbitte to exit political life

AFTER months of speculation, Labour TD Pat Rabbitte has confirmed that he will not be contesting the next general election in Dublin South West.

Originally elected to the Dáil in 1989 as a Workers’ Party TD, the colourful politician had been coy about his future intentions since being removed from Cabinet by party leader Joan Burton last year.

He had most recently held the post of Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Despite rumours of tension between himself and the Tánaiste, Joan Burton was fulsome in her praise of Deputy Rabbitte in the wake of his announcement, describing him as a major figure on the Irish political scene for almost three decades.

“While Pat has had a significant national profile, he has always worked hard for the entire community in Dublin South West,

? she said.

“I know that amidst a lengthy political career, one of his proudest achievements was his involvement in the first National Drugs Strategy during the Rainbow Government, in an effort to address the drugs scourge in Dublin.

“He will also be long remembered for the forensic and painstaking work he did as a member of the DIRT Inquiry.

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Deputy Burton added:

“Pat’s wit and insight are unique and I am sure that while he is exiting politics, he will not be lost to Irish public life. There is no doubt that Pat has been one of the truly outstanding parliamentarians of his generation.

?

Dublin MEP Brian Hayes (FG) also paid tribute to his former constituency colleague.

“Pat Rabbitte was the standout politician of his generation,

? he said.

“For over 30 years he served the constituency of Dublin South West with distinction. His work rate over that time was second to none.

“Many of the major improvements seen in Tallaght in recent years, such as the hospital and the IT, were brought about as a result of his work.

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