Taoiseach Brian Cowen has paid tribute to Minister of State at the Department of the Environment Michael Finneran who has announced he will not contest the next general election.
Mr Finneran (63) is a Fianna Fail TD for Roscommon-South Leitrim and a close ally of Mr Cowen.
He said he had come to the decision after consultation and deliberation with his family over the Christmas period.
Mr Finneran served on Roscommon County Council from 1979 to 2003 and was elected to the Seanad in 1989. He was then elected to the Dail in 2002.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my family, my constituents, and the loyal members of Fianna Fáil who worked with me at all levels during my time as a public representative,” he said.
Mr Cowen said Mr Finneran should be proud of a long and very distinguished career in politics
“His track-record as a local representative is second to none and his wisdom and knowledge will be greatly missed by all his colleagues in our Parliamentary Party,” he said.
Mr Finneran, who has ministerial responsibility for housing, is a former psychiatric nurse.