The former leader of the SDLP, Mr John Hume has confirmed he will not stand in the next European Parliament elections. The decision was made on medical advice.
Mr Hume announced his decision in Belfast this afternoon saying, he could not continue with the workload and travel involved in holding the position.
But he assured constituents he would continue to represent them unitl after the summer poll.
He is part of the European Socialists group in the parliament; a member of the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism; and a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
The 67-year-old Foyle MP who has been an MEP since 1979, had put his name forward for the elections but will now follow his DUP rival Reverend Ian Paisley, who last month announced his withdrawal.
Mr Paisley narrowly topped the poll ahead of Mr Hume in the 1999 election.
Mr Hume said today: "I am making what for myself is a very regrettable announcement today. I will not be standing again for the European Parliament.
"I regret this very much since it is a position that I have very much valued. I have been very honoured to represent the people of Northern Ireland in Europe.
"I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the people of Northern Ireland and to the members of my own party, the SDLP, who gave me their support over the last twenty five years."
Asked what he would miss most about being MEP, the clearly emotional Derryman said: "Being there and working there."
"Europe is the best example in the history of the world of conflict resolution."
Today's announcement marks Mr Hume's latest move in a gradual retirement from Northern Ireland politics.
In 2000, Mr Hume left his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly and a year later stood down as leader of the SDLP, a post he held since 1979.
In 1998, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble for his work in helping to bring about the Belfast Agreement.
He was a founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) in 1970 haviong been a leading light in the Derry civil rights movement.
Today he said the Belfast Agreement, which led to the setting up of the now-suspended Northern Ireland Assembly, was the highlight of his political career.
"It was the first time in history that people of this island came out in strength to vote on how they wish to live together."
In a final parting shot to his longtime rival, Rev Ian Paisley, whose Democratic Unionists are now the biggest party in the North, Mr Hume said it was the duty of politicians to uphold the will of the people.
"The time has come to prove the word democratic in your party name means what it says - implement the will of the people."