Taoiseach wishes John Paul Phelan well as Kilkenny TD set to bow out

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan on his career in politics following confirmation he will not contest for a seat in the next general election.

Mr Varadkar said he has been and continues to be an excellent representative for the people of Carlow/ Kilkenny as well as a committed vice-president of the Fine Gael Party and member of its executive council.

"I wish him well as he announces he will not contest the next General Election. I know in doing so he is putting his health and family first. It also gives the party ample time to select new candidates in Carlow and Kilkenny to defend our seat in the constituency," he said.

"John Paul has given 24 years of dedicated public service, as a councillor, senator, TD, and minister of state to his community, country and party. As minister he prioritised modernisation of our electoral registration process and promoting greater gender equality in local politics.

"I am particularly grateful to him for the role he played as Fine Gael Director for the Local Elections of 2019 in which we won 25% of the vote and gained 20 seats. He has also provided me with wise counsel down the years on issues affecting rural Ireland and the south-east region in particular, as well as political and electoral strategy. I know he’ll continue to do so.
I know that John Paul will continue to ably represent the people of Carlow and Kilkenny until the election."