Fine Gael MEP for Dublin Frances Fitzgerald has announced her retirement from politics after three decades as an active politician.

The former Tanaiste and Minister for the party has said she will not contest the European Parliament elections that are set to take place next year. Her political career began in 1992 when she was elected to the Dail for Dublin South East which is now part of Dublin Bay South.

Among her career accomplishments were the Children's Referendum and the Marriage Equality Referendum. In 2017 she resigned as Tanaiste following allegations she had interfered in the case of a whistleblower. She was later cleared of blame in the Collins Report and Disclosures Tribunal.

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Announcing her retirement, Ms Fitzgerald said: "Over recent weeks I have taken time to reflect on the 2024 European Parliament Elections and have decided that I will not contest the Dublin constituency again. I will continue to work hard in the European Parliament until the end of this term in 2024, representing people across the Dublin Constituency.

“Over my career I have been fortunate to have played a part in shaping the building blocks as Ireland developed as a more mature, inclusive and open society. Since 1992 I have been privileged to serve as a Councillor, TD and Senator, and most recently as MEP for Dublin. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by voters in the constituencies of Dublin Bay South and Dublin Mid West, and particularly the loyalty and support shown to me in the Dublin Constituency at the 2019 European Parliament Elections.

“As a member of Dail Eireann, I have appreciated the opportunities to serve as Tánaiste and in three Cabinet offices. Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointed me as Tánaiste and to the Ministries of Children and Youth Affairs, and Justice and Equality, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as Tánaiste also, and to Enterprise and Innovation.

“I would like to thank all those without whom none of the work was possible - my family and friends, the many Fine Gael members and elected representatives, and my staff and teams of supporters. To the colleagues with whom I have served and whose support, mostly in the best and occasionally in the worst of times, has been of incalculable value, my deepest gratitude. Their advice, guidance, friendship and kindness were vital."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who interned in Ms Fitzgerald's office at the beginning of his political career, said she had "changed Fine Gael" for the better. He lauded her achievements as the first Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The Taoiseach said: "The decision not to run again for elected office is a difficult and deeply personal one for any politician. I know Frances felt that this was the right time for her and in many ways, that’s what matters the most.

"I can honestly say that few others have achieved so much in politics as Frances Fitzgerald. She changed Fine Gael and Ireland for the better helping to make us a more modern, equal and tolerant place. As Ireland’s first Government Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, she established Túsla and ensured that our Constitution vindicated the rights and interests of children.

"She was the Minister responsible for the Marriage Equality referendum and brought through the Oireachtas the laws that gave effect to that historic vote. She served as an effective Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation and a loyal and capable Tánaiste.

"Frances came to politics believing that our country needed to be a safer place for women and a place in which women and girls had equality of opportunity. Thanks to Frances Fitzgerald and the women around her, we are on the cusp on achieving exactly that. The work goes on and I know Frances’ decision not to contest re-election next year does not mean that she not remain actively involved and interested in public affairs, equality and social justice."

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