Tributes paid as Sean Haughey announces his retirement from Dáil Eireann
Son of controversial former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey has held public office since 1985
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay North Seán Haughey who has announced his retirement from politics.
Haughey, a former minister and Lord Mayor of Dublin announced on Tuesday evening his decision not to contest the next General Election.
The son of controversial former Taoiseach, the late Charlie, Sean Haughey was first elected to Dublin City Council in 1985.
Martin TD said, "Seán Haughey is a man of great integrity, a fine parliamentarian and someone who takes pride in being meticulous in every aspect of his work.
"Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of those he represents. Whether advocating for their needs in Dáil Éireann, addressing their concerns, or working tirelessly to enact positive change, Seán has always placed the interests of his constituents at the forefront of his efforts. He possesses a deep understanding of the weight of the responsibility entrusted upon him and his dedication to serving his community has been unwavering,” he said.
"It has been a great honour to work alongside him, and I would like to extended my sincere thanks and best wishes to Seán on my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, as he embarks on a new chapter,” the Tánaiste added.
Announcing his retirement, Haughey said having devoted all his adult life to public service, he has come to the view that now is the right time for him to step down from frontline politics.
“I am extremely grateful to my constituents for their loyal support down through the years and wish to thank them for the trust they placed in me to be their representative in Dáil Éireann,” he said.
Over the course of my time in politics, I found it enormously fulfilling to be able to give advice and assistance to hundreds of individuals, groups, and organisations in helping them secure the benefits and services to which they were entitled,” he added.
I am also proud that I could carry on a family tradition of public service in the constituency dating right back to the 1950s. I am deeply grateful to my wife Orla, my 4 adult children, my extended family, as well as the many loyal party members and lifelong friends for their unfailing help and encouragement in all my election campaigns,” he concluded.
