Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald has announced she will not contest the European Parliament elections next year.
The former tánaiste and minister for justice was elected as an MEP for Dublin in 2019 and has been an elected representative since 1992 as a councillor, senator, TD, and MEP.
In a statement, she said: "Over recent weeks I have taken time to reflect on the 2024 European Parliament Elections and have decided that I will not contest the Dublin constituency again.
"I will continue to work hard in the European Parliament until the end of this term in 2024, representing people across the Dublin Constituency.
"I would like to thank all those without whom none of the work was possible - my family and friends, the many Fine Gael members and elected representatives, and my staff and teams of supporters."
Over recent weeks I have taken time to reflect on the 2024 European Parliament Elections and have decided that I will not contest the Dublin constituency again.
— Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 6, 2023
I want to thank the people of Dublin who have trusted me to represent their voice at local, national & European level. pic.twitter.com/cQFFMz45bm
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Ms Fitzgerald and said "the decision not to run again for elected office is a difficult and deeply personal one for any politician".
He said Ms Fitzgerald "felt that this was the right time for her and in many ways, that’s what matters the most".
Mr Varadkar said he was "honoured" when she agreed to serve as tánaiste when he was elected taoiseach in 2017.
He said: "In resigning from cabinet later that year, she did so selflessly in order to avoid an unnecessary General Election. Her position and actions were subsequently vindicated the following year."
Mr Varadkar added: "I can honestly say that few others have achieved so much in politics as Frances Fitzgerald.
"She changed Fine Gael and Ireland for the better helping to make us a more modern, equal and tolerant place."
Senator Barry Ward is among those being discussed within Fine Gael as a potential contender to contest next year's European Parliament election.
Mr Ward is a practicing barrister and has been a member of the Seanad since 2020.
