Liam Twomey will not contest general election

Fine Gael TD for Wexford Liam Twomey has announced he will not be standing at the next General Election.

Originally from Clonakilty, Mr Twomey was initially elected to the Dáil as an Independent in 2002, before joining Enda Kenny’s party two years later.

He received the third-highest number of first preference votes in his Wexford constituency during the 2011 General Election, and is currently the chair of the Oireachtas Finance Committee.

In a statement on Friday, he declared he would not be seeking re-election due to “family reasons”.

“It is with a heavy heart I announce that, for family reasons, I will not be standing at the next General Election,” said Mr Twomey, who is also a qualified GP.

“A political career is a huge commitment, both for the individual but also for his/her family, and in that respect I wish to express my enormous appreciation to my wife Liz and my children, for all their support throughout my career.

“Last but not least, I wish to thank An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, my party colleagues and the loyal Fine Gael supporters in Wexford who have helped me enormously throughout my career,” he said, before wishing his party well for the upcoming vote.

He will continue to serve as a TD for the remainder of the current Dáil.

Commenting on his co-constituent’s career achievements, Government Chief Whip Minister Paul Kehoe said it was a “pleasure” to work with Mr Twomey.

“He has been an outstanding representative for the people of Wexford and has undertaken stellar work in his roles as the Fine Gael spokesperson on Health and the Chair of the Finance Committee, where he worked tirelessly,” he said.

“Liam has been a loyal friend and a trusted colleague and it has been my pleasure to serve alongside him over the years.”

Mr Twomey is the second Fine Gael deputy in recent days to confirm their retirement from Dáil politics after Roscommon/South Leitrim deputy Frank Feighan.