Gay Mitchell not contesting Dáil seat
Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell will not be running for the Dáil in the forthcoming General Election, he confirmed tonight.
Ending months of speculation, the high-profile TD and former Government minister said his experience of public life could be best served in the European Parliament.
He said: “When I contested the European Parliament elections I said I would give it a couple of years before deciding on whether to again contest the Dáil.
“Taking into account my 26 years service in the Dáil, 20 years as a City Councillor, my experience as Lord Mayor, Minister for European Affairs and Shadow Minister for a number of Departments as well as chairmanship of two prominent Dáil committees I feel I can best bring my experience to bear now at EU level.
“I found this a very difficult decision to make but taking into account family, public and party interests I feel this is the correct decision.”
