MRS Maire Geoghegan Quinn's decision to leave politics developed over a lengthy period of time, and was not simply the result of one incident, the Fianna Fail TD has said.
In her first interview since her decision was announced last Monday, Mrs Geoghegan Quinn said she had no interest in being a candidate for President or any European posting.
She was speaking on the Cead Cainte programme on Teilifis na aeilge last night.
Asked why she was leaving politics, she replied in Irish: "I am 22 years in politics, one year ahead of my father, I'm only 46 years old and it's time for me to do something else with my life.
"I said in 1975, when I was elected, that I did not intend growing old in politics."
She had witnessed many examples of the media's intrusion into the private lives of politicians over the years. This intrusion had now reached an unacceptable level, she said, referring to the controversy over the publicising of her son's expulsion from school.
She had explained her decision to retire to him and told him he was not to blame.
She said she was glad her departure had raised questions about the media's handling of privacy issues, but did not favour the establishment of a press council or similar watchdog.
She hoped her departure would not discourage other women from getting involved in politics.
She said there was no hidden reason, political or personal, for her decision. Asked what career she might now pursue, she hinted at journalism.
She denied that the timing of her decision, in the run up to a general election, was a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Mr Bertie Ahern.
She believed Fianna Fail could take three seats in Galway West and she would work to that end.