Independent Donegal TD Mr Thomas Gildea announced yesterday he will not be running as a candidate in the forthcoming general election. The Donegal South West deputy said his decision was based on personal reasons.
However, he endorsed the candidacy of his long-time personal assistant, Mrs Gwen Breslin of Ardara, who will now contest the election as an independent.
Mr Gildea (62), who married his wife Eilish in July 2000, said he had decided not to stand for election in November 2000. He did not disclose this as he felt it would weaken his bargaining position with the Government.
"Myself and Eilish talked about it - we are both very family orientated and I felt the job and home life were just not compatible," he said.
He said the birth of his son James in May 2001 was the definitive factor in his decision. Mr Gildea is one of four independent TDs who have supported the Government.
Mr Gildea conceded some people would say his poor showing (6 per cent) in the recent TG4/MRBI poll and the controversy which surrounded his remarks in the Dáil about the former minister for justice Ms Nora Owen were the reasons for his refusal to stand.
"Certain cynics might say that but I am well accustomed to them and I don't pay them, or opinion polls, any attention. The only poll that counts is the one on election day", said Mr Gildea.
He said he was happy the judicial inquiry set up to examine alleged Garda corruption in Donegal would investigate the arson of a Cable Management Ireland portacabin at the height of the anti-MMDS protest in 1996.
Mrs Gwen Breslin said she believed it was imperative Donegal retained an Independent voice in Dáil Éireann.
"The big parties all hate independents and they are all aiming to take Thomas's seat. This was Thomas's seat and I have been asked to follow in his footsteps by defending it," she said.