The Fine Gael TD, Padraic McCormack, who represents Galway West, has announced that he will not be standing as a candidate in the next General Election.
The 63-year-old deputy is the party's only TD in the five-seat constituency.
A former livestock auctioneer, he was elected to the Senate in 1987 and to the Dáil two years later.
On RTÉ Radio this morning, Mr McCormack said he informed the party leader Enda Kenny of his decision on Wednesday.
