Progressive Democrat Senator John Dardis has announced he is not contesting the general election and is to instead chair the party's election campaign team.
The Kildare South Senator, who is currently chairman of the Parliamentary Party, said yesterday that even though he is not contesting the election he is "firmly committed" to working to see the PDs return in greater numbers to the next Dáil.
Senator Dardis has nearly 18 years of service in the Seanad and close to 10 as Deputy Government Leader of that House. A PD spokeswoman said last night the party is hoping to announce a replacement candidate for the constituency shortly and confirmed the party is talking to prospective candidates.
Tánaiste Michael McDowell paid tribute to Senator Dardis.
"I am delighted that John will now channel his energies into chairing our party's election campaign team. He is a man of extraordinary political experience, who is widely respected," he said.