Former Fianna Fáil minister Jim McDaid is to step down from politics before the next election.
Dr McDaid, who was last year fined €750 and disqualified from driving for two years after being convicted of drink-driving and dangerous driving, confirmed his decision in a statement this morning.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
Dr McDaid, from Letterkenny, said he would not be seeking a nomination at next month's selection convention for the constituency. The former minister informed the Taoiseach of his decision last week.
In October last year the one-time minister of state with responsibility for road safety drove the wrong way down the old Newbridge road in Kildare. He was found to have been more than three times over the legal alcohol limit.
"At the next election I will have enjoyed the honour of representing my community in the Dáil for 18 years," Dr McDaid said in the statement.
"Today, I especially want to thank and pay tribute to the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern. It was he who gave me the opportunity to serve in Government, an opportunity given to very few."
He also paid tribute to his family for their support. "Unlike me, they never sought elected office, but at times some of the burden of my position fell upon them." he added.
The Taoiseach said Dr McDaid's decision to leave elected politics "is one that I know he has been considering for some time.
"I know too that it is a decision he is taking for the best of all possible reasons. I fully understand and support James McDaid's decision to move on," Mr Ahern said.
Dr McDaid and his partner, Siobhan, recently celebrated the birth of their son, Neal.
Mr Ahern added: "Now James and Siobhan begin to prepare for a new life after politics. I wish them many years of happiness together among their family, friends and community in Donegal."
