Former Agriculture Minister and Fine Gael TD Michael Creed has announced that he will not contest the next general election, the Irish Mirror understands.
It comes not even a week after his party colleague, John Paul Phelan, also confirmed that he will not attempt to regain his Dáil seat.
The news will come as a blow to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as yet another long-term TD announces their departure from politics.
READ MORE: Ireland weather set for remarkable U-turn as Met Eireann give bank holiday weekend verdict
Sources told the Irish Mirror last night that Mr Creed made the announcement at a Fine Gael meeting in Millstreet, Co Cork.
The 59-year-old was first elected to the Dáil in 1989. He lost his seat in the 2002 general election but regained his seat in Cork North West in 2007.
He served as Agriculture Minister from 2016 to 2020.
Deputy Creed is the fourth Fine Gael TD to announce that they would be stepping down.
Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan, 44, confirmed last week that he would not contest the election for health reasons.
Kerry’s Brendan Griffin and now-Independent Donegal TD Joe McHugh also previously announced that they would step away from the Dáil when the next election takes place.
Elsewhere, former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy announced his immediate retirement from politics in April 2021.
It is expected that another seven or eight TDs could announce that they will not contest the next election. It is understood a number are waiting until the redraw of Dáil constituency boundaries is published this summer.
In a statement issued to the Irish Mirror this afternoon, Mr Creed said: "Last night I informed the Fine Gael Cork North West Constituency Executive that I have decided not to contest the next general election.
“I will always be grateful to the people of Cork North West for giving me the privilege of representing them in Dáil Éireann. It is my firm intention to continue to work on their behalf until the end of the current Dáil term.
“My commitment to the Fine Gael party and its leadership is unchanged. I informed the Taoiseach of my decision some days ago. I wish the Fine Gael party and all my Oireachtas colleagues the very best. Politics by its nature requires renewal and it’s time for me to move on.”
Paying tribute to Deputy Creed, Leo Varadkar said: “Michael has been an exceptional representative for Cork North West who has worked tirelessly for his constituents.
“In recent years he can point to the opening of the Macroom-Ballyvourney bypass as a major achievement. He secured State investment in local schools and other essential facilities, and worked hard to bring jobs to the constituency.
“Michael was a committed Minister for Agriculture who championed Irish farming and fishing, and sought to protect and grow these sectors in the face of various challenges. Above all, Michael is a true gentleman, who will be missed from the Parliamentary Party. I wish him well in the future.”
READ NEXT:
Parents of Mayo woman trapped in war-torn Sudan make desperate evacuation plea
Man claims he found missing Annie McCarrick's handbag and gave it to gardai in 1993
GSOC officer 'at Gerry Hutch party' set to leave Ireland and can't be quizzed as he's resigned
I'm A Celebrity South Africa kicks off with Paul Burrell screaming through trial
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
