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BREN-DONE
Shock announcement as former Minister decides not to run in next general election
- Published: 11:15, 6 Oct 2023
- Updated: 11:19, 6 Oct 2023
FORMER Minister and ex-Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin has announced that he does not plan on running in the next general election.
In a shock announcement this morning, the veteran TD – who has been elected to the Dail nine times – said it was time to make way for somebody else following his long career.
He told the Irish Times: “I’ve served in government three times. I’ve had demanding and challenging ministries. I’ve been leader of the party.
“So I don’t think there’s anything more than I need to fulfil for myself and I think that it’s time to make way for somebody else.”
Brendan Howlin served in three different governments and has previously served as Minister for Health, Minister for Environment and Minister for Public Expenditure.
He led the Labour Party from 2016 to 2020 before he was replaced by Alan Kelly.
New Labour leader Ivana Bacik this morning paid tribute to the Wexford TD who she described as someone of “genuine personal integrity.”
She said: “Throughout his parliamentary career he has been a campaigner for justice, equality, transparency, and accountability.
“They say that a week is a long time in politics, but after forty years, Brendan has done the State and his beloved Wexford some service.
“Brendan’s record as a legislator is unparalleled – with the recently adopted Coco’s Law to tackle online abuse, just one of his many achievements.
“His other legislative successes include the statutory code which brought about real transparency in public institutions, protection for whistleblowers and restoration of the Freedom of Information Act.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Brendan over the remainder of this Dail term and beyond, and I know that he will continue to make a significant contribution to the work of our Party even after the next general election.”
Brendan Howlin first contested an election for the Labour Party in Wexford in 1982 before becoming a Senator in 1983.
He was first elected to the Dail in 1987 and has been re-elected in every general election since.
He has served as party whip for Labour along with deputy leader, leader and Leas Ceann Comhairle in the Dail.
Last month, Richard Bruton confirmed that he will not contest the next general election in a big blow to Fine Gael.
The former deputy leader of Fine Gael has served in the Dail for 11 successive terms.
He was first elected as a TD in 1982.
He said in a statement: “I have decided that I will not contest the next General Election. I would like to thank local voters for the trust you have shown in me to serve as your local TD for the past 41 years.
“It has been a privilege to get the chance to represent you on the Council, in the Dáil, and in Cabinet.
“I will continue to work hard for you up to the end of this Dáil term.”
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