Woods 'will not contest election'

Dublin North East Fianna Fail TD Michael Woods has said he will not contest the next general election.

Dr Woods (75) told a meeting of Fianna Fáil members in Kilbarrack, north Dublin, today of his decision to step down after more than 33 years as a member of the Dáil.

He is the fourth senior figure to announce he will not contest the election, following in the footsteps of Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern and Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey.

Minister of State for Housing Michael Finneran yesterday announced that he would not contest the election.

First elected in 1977, Dr Woods enjoyed an extensive career in politics with ministerial portfolios in several departments.

He served under five Taoisigh and served as Minister of State at the Taoiseach’s Department and the Department of Defence and as Government Chief Whip.

He also served five times as Minister for Social Welfare, three times in Health, twice in Marine & Natural Resources, once in Agriculture and Food and once in Education and Science.

Dr Woods was successful in being elected in ten successive general elections. He currently holds the role of Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.

In a statement released to the press this evening, Dr Woods thanked those who supported him "through good times and bad" and said: "It has been an honour for me to serve my constituents and my country over this time".

Taoiseach Brian Cowen paid tribute to Dr Woods this evening, saying his decision not to contest the election "brings to a conclusion a remarkable career in politics full to the brim of achievement and delivery for the Irish people."

Mr Cowen said Dr Woods served Ireland with "great intelligence, insight, and true dedication".

"As a politician, Michael Woods has always been strongly committed to a socially inclusive Ireland. He believes that republicanism is about putting equality and fairness at the centre of government."

"His many achievements as a minister are characterised by a desire to help the less well-off in our society and to do his utmost to improve the standard of living for everyone in our country", Mr Cowen said.