TD Marc MacSharry will not contest next general election

James Cox

Independent TD Marc MacSharry has announced he will not contest the next general election.

The Sligo-Leitrim deputy and former Fianna Fáil TD said it has been a privilege to serve in the Oireachtas.

He was first elected to the Seanad in 2002 and as a TD in 2016.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve in the Oireachtas since 2002," he said.

"I am eternally grateful to all for the opportunity to serve as a TD and Senator over more than 21 years. I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and North Roscommon between now and the conclusion of this administration.

"Through the years I have worked to the very best of my ability and now feel it is the correct time to open a new chapter in my life and pursue alternative opportunities."

Mr MacSharry resigned the parliamentary party whip last year before a vote of confidence in Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney over Katherine Zappone’s special envoy appointment.

He subsequently resign from the party after an internal row. He claimed Micheál Martin had failed to properly investigate a bullying complaint made against him by a Fianna Fáil councillor.

Mr MacSharry had been a vocal critic of Mr Martin, and often clashed with Fianna Fáil colleagues.