Briain Kelly, 19 Mar
reelection, citing the toxicity of modern politics as part of his
decision.
The Fine Gael TD was first elected to the Dáil in 2011 and has held the
posts of Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, and
Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora and International
Development.
In announcing that he would not be contesting the next election, Deputy
Cannon said that after 20 years he has to consider whether he has given
all he can give to the job.
“I sought election to make an impact, to do something of genuine value for
society. That’s the inspiration for the vast majority of us in public
life, and I’m confident that I can continue to have an impact in another
role, with renewed purpose and passion.”
Speaking about why he was ending his career as a TD, Ciaran Cannon added
that the political environment now is more toxic than when he was first
elected.
“It would be remiss of me not to comment on the difference between being a
politician now and twenty years ago. That’s also been a factor in my
decision to leave.”
“There’s a coarseness, a toxicity in politics now that was barely palpable
twenty years ago. None of us asks to be put on a pedestal, or to be
treated any differently.”
“We just ask to be treated with the same civility and respect as anyone
else doing their job.
“Yes, politicians are subject to public scrutiny, and rightly so, but what
we are experiencing right now goes far beyond that and can be deeply
damaging to our wellbeing.”
“At times it feels like it’s open season on you and your family. That’s
not acceptable, nor indeed sustainable, if we want to have good people
choosing politics as a career.”
Ciarán Cannon said that he is proud of the work on further education and
reform he was first tasked with as Minister of State.
He also praised his colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs whom
he spent three years working with on Ireland’s international development
programme and building ties with the Irish diaspora.
“None of this work would have been possible without the support of the
people of Galway East. I am deeply grateful to them for putting their
trust in me again and again.
“I’m also deeply grateful to an amazing group of people who have worked
with me on every campaign since 2004, particularly my family and a trusted
circle of close friends.”
“It’s not easy being out there on the campaign trail, yet they committed a
huge amount of personal time to me.”
“Finally, I want to thank my wife and son who give me the love and support
I need to do this job well. My wife is my guiding star, I can’t even begin
to describe how pivotal she has been to my work.”
“My son was only seven when I started my career, he has grown up
surrounded by politics and has become a trusted advisor on so many aspects
of the job, particularly as my work applies to his generation, a
generation that gives me so much hope for our future.”
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described Ciaran Cannon as one the,
“hardest-working and most committed TDs in the Dail.”
“He has served the people of east Galway as a Senator, TD and Minister of
State. In all of these roles, he worked tirelessly for the good of his
constituents and for the country.”
“Ciarán is a gentleman who will be missed by all who know him or who work
with him in the Dáil. I wish him the very best in his life after
politics.”