Peter Fitzpatrick to stand down as Fine Gael TD at next election

Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick has confirmed he will not seek re-election for the party at the next general election.

In a statement on Thursday night, the Louth TD said he had informed the party of his decision and would be consulting with his family on what to do next.

He has not stated whether he would be willing to stand as an independent candidate in the next election. Mr Fitzpatrick was unavailable for comment.

Mr Fitzpatrick has been a TD since 2011. He previously served as manager of the Louth senior team and guided them to the Leinster final in 2010.

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The Louth TD was a vocal opponent to the referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment and had indicated he would vote against the legislation when it enters the Oireachtas later this year.

Fine Gael currently has two TDs in the Louth constituency, Mr Fitzpatrick and Fergus O’Dowd.

Councillor John McGahon has confirmed he will be seeking a nomination to stand for the party.

In a statement, Mr McGahon said: "Peter has been a great TD for the people for Dundalk and County Louth for the past seven years. I have enjoyed every minute working alongside him as a Councillor. I'd like to wish him and his family all the best in whatever he intends to do next.

“I am looking forward to speaking to Fine Gael members across County Louth over the next two weeks about how we can hold onto the two Fine Gael seats here in Louth at the next General Election, whenever that may be.”