Fine Gael MEP and former Cork TD Deirdre Clune to step down
Coughlan Jim Deirdre Picture: Clune
Fine Gael MEP and former TD for Cork Deirdre Clune has announced that she will not contest the next European Parliament election.
Ms Clune, who currently represents the Ireland South constituency, is due to stand down at the next European election in June 2024. She entered the European Parliament in 2014, before being re-elected in 2019.
The Fine Gael politician was first elected as a TD for Cork South Central in the 1997 general election, before losing her seat in 2002. She was then re-elected in 2007, serving an additional term before entering the Seanad after the 2011 general election.
She was also elected as a councillor in 1999, before serving one term as Lord Mayor of Cork in 2005.
In a statement, Ms Clune said that she informed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last month of her decision to stand down next June.
“Taking the decision to step away from public office was not an easy one,” Ms Clune said.
“Ever since I first walked through the doors of Dáil Éireann 27 years ago, I have striven to serve my constituents with determined resolve.
Ms Clune said that through her work at the European Parliament, she has seen how the EU has played a “defining role” in Ireland becoming a “modern open society and economy”.
“Europe has also taught me that the ability to ‘compromise’ is not a weakness. It is the essence of a healthy democracy,” Ms Clune said.
“For the remainder of this parliamentary term, I intend to continue my work, serving the people of Ireland South in Europe.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my political life where I will revert to being a Fine Gael activist and supporting the next generation of public representatives who will serve you.”
Paying tribute to Ms Clune, Mr Varadkar said that she has had a “distinguished career” in politics, saying that few politicians have been elected to “almost very possible chamber at local, national and international level by the electorate”.
“A proud Corkwoman, Deirdre and her family can look back with great pride on her achievements. We in Fine Gael are extremely grateful for all that Deirdre has done for her country and party,” Mr Varadkar concluded.