McDaid confirms resignation from politics
Former government minister Jim McDaid has announced his intention to resign from public life.
The Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal North East confirmed today that he will not be standing in the next general election.
The 57-year-old has been at the centre of a number of controversies, the most recent when he was caught driving down the wrong lane of a dual carriageway near Dublin while under the influence of alcohol.
Dr McDaid has been in politics for 18 years and has previously hinted that he might stand down to focus on his career as a GP.
Paying tribute to him today, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, described him as a "loyal colleague" who had always been frank in his views.
Mr Ahern also said he fully understood Dr McDaid's decision to move on from politics following the birth of his son last week.
