Sinn Féin TD Michael Colreavy will not contest next election

Sinn Féin TD Michael Colreavy has announced that he will not contest the next general election.

The Sligo–North Leitrim TD has been the party’s spokesman on agriculture, fisheries and food since his election to the Dáil in 2011.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams described Mr Colreavy as “an outstanding public representative”

“Michael always made it clear that he only intended to serve one term as a TD,” said Mr Adams. “Despite this, his announcement today will come as a disappointment to colleagues within Sinn Féin and to many people in Sligo and Leitrim.”

Mr Adams added: “I want to thank Michael for his contribution and to wish him, his wife Alice and all the Colreavy family all the very best for the future.”

Mr Colreavy joined Sinn Féin in 1979. He has also served as a branch secretary of Impact trade union and as president of the Sligo Council of Trade Unions.

He was first elected to Leitrim County Council in 1999 and was subsequently elected to the Dáil in March 2011.