Blow to Leo Varadkar as Fine Gael veteran TD Richard Bruton confirms his retirement

Veteran Fine Gael TD, party chairman and former minister Richard Bruton has announced his retirement from national politics, saying he will not stand at the next General Election.

In a blow to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Bruton’s departure is the latest in a line of senior Fine Gael figures who have decided to not contest the election, expected next year.

Confirming news that had broken on Tuesday, in a statement, Bruton said: “I have decided that ...