Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been dealt another blow as ally John Paul Phelan announced that he would not contest the next general election.
Mr Phelan, 44, is the fourth Fine Gael TD to announce their retirement since the last general election, alongside Donegal TD Joe McHugh and Kerry’s Brendan Griffin. Former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy retired in April 2021.
Mr Phelan, who suffered a heart attack in July 2020, told local radio station KCLR that he was prioritising his health.