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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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John Paul Phelan and Michael Doyle
Local Fine Gael councillor, Michael Doyle has wished party colleague and outgoing TD, John Paul Phelan the very best of luck in his retirement as the Kilkenny TD steps away from politics after 25 years of service.
Mr Phelan confirmed he would not contest for a seat in the next general election last year.
The former Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council described the TD as a 'Great Fine Gael Man' and wished him a 'healthy and happy life outside the political realm'.
The South Kilkenny TD has held a seat here since 2011, when he was just 32 years old.
Phelan was one of the young up-and-coming TDs to back Leo Varadkar’s bid for the leadership of the party when Enda Kenny began to run out of road. His loyalty was rewarded with a junior ministry in 2017, but that came to an end in 2020 and he returned to the back benches.
"I want to take this opportunity to wish the very best of luck to John Paul Phelan TD in his retirement from the Dáil and to thank him for his 20+ years of service," Cllr Doyle said.
"He is a Great Fine Gael Man, a neighbouring Parish man and I’ve known him since our school days," he added.
FOR MORE GENERAL ELECTION NEWS, CLICK HERE
"He was the who asked me to run for local election that first time many years ago and I hope he now gets to enjoy a healthy and happy life outside the political realm. I’m sure he will do well in whatever direction life takes him in."
"I would like to express my thanks to him, his family and his team for all their hard work and dedication for the people of Carlow/Kilkenny," Doyle continued, adding, "politicians’ families give a huge amount of support in the background and miss out on a lot of time with their loved ones, so I am delighted that JP can now enjoy more precious family time with his wife and young son."
"Happy retirement JP," he concluded.
25.5 years as an elected rep ends tomorrow. It’s actually flown by! To the people of Carlow & Kilkenny, canvassers, staff, friends and family (especially Claire & Garret for their patience & love) I cannot thank you all enough for making the dreams of a boy come true. @FineGael pic.twitter.com/F3wGN0DTRT
— John Paul Phelan (@JPPhelan) November 7, 2024
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