Galway PD councillor Mr Joe Burke, who is awaiting a lung transplant, is quitting politics on health grounds.
In recent weeks he has had to carry a supply of oxygen with him and use the "iron lung" while attending local government meetings. The businessman, who came close to taking a Dail seat in the last general election, says he would re-enter politics only if Tuam did not get a promised new hospital to replace the Bon Secours private hospital which closed almost three months ago.