'Not just a colleague, he is a friend': Tributes paid to Simon Coveney as he steps away from politics

2pm

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has praised his constituency colleague and rival Simon Coveney, who has announced he will not contest the next general election, saying Mr Coveney was part of a long tradition of Cork politicians putting their city before their party.

“Since the days of his father Hugh, the Coveney family has given outstanding public service to the people of Cork, and I’ve been working with Simon as a TD for Cork South Central now for 25 years,” Mr Martin told The Echo.

“I worked with him in Government for the last four years and he has always been a strong advocate for Cork, so I wish him well in terms of his retirement, and I think he’s garnered a lot of experience throughout his political life, which I think will be of good use to the community in the time ahead.” 

The Tánaiste and Mr Coveney have not always seen eye-to-eye politically, but Mr Martin said his constituency colleague had always put the good of Cork first.

“We were political opponents, and we represent two separate parties, two separate political traditions, but in Cork South Central, there was always a tradition of crossing the aisle, if you like, or uniting to advocate in the best interests of Cork.

“I can remember the late Toddy O’Sullivan, Pearse Wyse and others, there was a tradition where you’d put party positions to one side to advocate for particular projects for Cork, whether it was investment in Cork Airport, or the Port of Cork, these were issues that we were always in a position to work together on.” 

Nominations for the local Fine Gael convention which will decide the party’s candidates in Cork South Central close this Friday, and while senior coalition figures all insist the current Government will run its full term with the next general election in the spring, there has been much speculation that a giveaway budget at the beginning of October will fire the starting pistol for an autumn election.

Asked if he was planning an early retirement from politics himself, the Tánaiste laughed and said he was not.

“I’m busy getting ready for the next general election,” Mr Martin said. “Whenever that happens.”

1pm

Taoiseach Simon Harris has today paid tribute to Simon Coveney TD, as he announced his decision to stand aside from politics.

Speaking today, the Taoiseach said: “Simon Coveney is not just a colleague, he is a friend.

“For the past 25 years, Simon has served the people of Cork South Central, Fine Gael and his country with distinction.

“He has been a Minister for Agriculture, Housing, Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Enterprise. He has served as Tánaiste of this great country.

“He leaves an outstanding footprint in Irish politics. I think we can all agree Simon’s role during Brexit will be his legacy.

“It was his greatest contribution in politics and of immense importance to this country.

“Today, I particularly want to pay tribute to Simon’s wife Ruth, his three daughters Jessica, Beth and Annalise.

“Simon’s role as Minister for Foreign Affairs meant many nights away from home and I want to thank them today for lending him to the country.

“I know they and the wider Coveney family are so proud of the role he has played in Irish politics, continuing the legacy of his father Hugh. I wish him all the very best.”

12.45pm

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard described Simon Coveney's career as "long and distinguished".

"Respected, dedicated, hard working and loyal, Simon Coveney has shown these qualities and more in his political life since winning the by-election in Cork South Central in 1998.

"I’ve known Simon all my life through our families. He is more than a colleague; he is a very good friend. I was involved in his by-election campaign in 1998 and in every campaign since. He has been an outstanding public servant, first as a TD, then as Councillor, MEP, TD, Minister and Tánaiste. He is someone I respect and admire and am proud to call him a friend.

"I know that Simon will be as successful in the next chapter of his life as he has been in political life. I wish him, Ruth and his lovely girls the very best in the future."

12.30pm

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry said he believes the Fine Gael party champions the interests of business and those in the upper echelons of society, and that Mr Coveney typified this.

“Fine Gael are a party which champions the interests of business and the well to do and there's no doubt that Simon Coveney was a consummate Fine Gael politician,” the Cork North Central TD said.

Mr Barry was less than complimentary about the political legacy Mr Coveney leaves behind, saying he believed the Cork South Central TD won't be remembered fondly by people “at the sharp end of the housing crisis”, asserting that the ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ plan launched by Mr Coveney when he was Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government had “failed disastrously”.

12.25pm

"On the day that Simon Coveney announces that he is retiring from politics at the next general election, I want to publicly say thank you to him," Fine Gael County Councillor Jack White said.

"He brought me into politics before I became a Councillor in 2021, and subsequently I began working for him at his constituency office last year.

"Simon has given me some great opportunities and guidance, and I will miss his leadership in our community & party when he goes.

"He has been a major force in Irish politics for 26 years and was stellar in defending Ireland’s position during Brexit.

"For now, we will continue to work hard together for our constituency and I wish Simon and his family the very best for the next chapter," he concluded.

11.50am

Former finance minister Michael McGrath wished Simon Coveney "all the very best on the next chapter of his life".

"Simon has served the public with distinction for 26 years and has been a deeply committed representative of the people of Cork.

"He has made a positive difference on a local, national and international stage.

"His work on behalf of Ireland during the Brexit negotiations was vitally important and helped to ensure there was no hard border on the island of Ireland.

"As a constituency colleague of mine in Cork South Central for the past 17 years, I can say with authority that he was always willing to work together and cooperate across political party lines on local issues for the betterment of the community we both represent.

"I'd like to wish Simon, Ruth and the girls all the very best on whatever comes next."

11.20am

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire extended his “best wishes to Simon Coveney and family for whatever the future brings”.

“Despite many political disagreements, I have always found him a thoroughgoing gentleman.

“Very available to assist and willing to collaborate for the better interests of constituents and of Cork.

“He has given many years of public service and undoubtedly leaves a political legacy, his work on Brexit being particularly important, as well as much work in Enterprise and other departments,” he continued.

10.55am

Labour party councillor John Maher has said: "Thank you [Simon Coveney]  for your service, while we may disagree on certain policy etc, our motivations to represent people & Cork are similar and we want the best for them. I wish you and your family good health & happiness. Enjoy the next chapter & take care."

Minister for social protection Heather Humphreys said: "The work [Simon Coveney]  did to protect Ireland’s interests during Brexit & ensure there would be no return to a hard border on our island should never be forgotten or underestimated.

"A great colleague & friend - best of luck in the next chapter."

Cork Business Association added their voice to te tributes: "CBA would like to sincerely thank [Simon Coveney]  for everything you have done for the Cork Business Community over the years, and the support you have given CBA. We wish you every success in the future."

10.45am

Tributes are pouring in for former Tánaiste Simon Coveney who has said he will not stand in the next general election.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said of Mr Coveney that he was “not just a colleague, he is a friend”.

“He has served his constituency, his party and his country with distinction, most particularly his contribution to protecting our national interest during Brexit is an outstanding legacy.”

Fine Gael councillor Shane O'Callaghan paid tribute to Mr Coveney on X: "Simon Coveney has been a giant of Cork & national politics for a quarter of a century. 

"He was an outstanding Minister in several Depts, particularly in Foreign Affairs during the Brexit negotiations. He has always championed Cork & prompted investment in Cork. Thank you Simon."

Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer said: "Congratulations and best wishes. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to public service."

9.30am

Simon Coveney said being elected for 26 years “has been the privilege of my life”.

“I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South Central have put in me. Now is the right time for renewal in Fine Gael and for me to change direction,” he said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

He did not reveal what he would be doing instead, but said that he was to “step out of politics”.

“I’ve loved almost every day of public life. I’ve had opportunities in politics that I could never have dreamed possible before 1998; as a councillor, a TD, a minister and as a Tánaiste.” 

Mr Coveney stood aside as minister for enterprise in April as Simon Harris became Taoiseach and the new leader of Fine Gael.

“I wouldn’t be leaving if I didn’t believe the future was bright,” Mr Coveney said.

“Right across the country we saw new candidates emerge in the recent local elections. Our party is strong and ambitious, our new leader has brought an energy that is reinvigorating the organisation at every level.”