Independent TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has announced that he will not contest the next general election.
Fitzpatrick left his former party Fine Gael in 2018, resigning over the party’s stance on abortion. Speaking after his departure in October 2018, he said that for the “last 15 months no one was listening to me, I felt isolated, like I was just there to push a button.”
In a statement today, the Dundalk-based TD said he was proud of his efforts to create a “more caring and compassionate Ireland,” adding that one of his “most important campaigns was the opposition to the legalisation of abortion in Ireland of which I felt very strongly about.”
Asked whether the 8th Amendment and the referendum that year had influenced his decision, he said at the time: “That’s only one thing. I do have a problem with abortion; there’s no way Peter Fitzpatrick is going to vote in favour of 12 weeks.”
That month, he voted against the government’s abortion Bill, saying he was “deeply disturbed at how extreme the legislation is proposed to be, in spite of assurances from the Government during the referendum campaign that reasonable restrictions would be put in place.”
Then party leader and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in response to his resignation at the time, said: “I know that he has been unhappy for some time and was a strong opponent of holding a referendum on the Eighth Amendment.”
Fitzpatrick continued to vote against proposals to liberalise Ireland’s abortion laws, last year voting against a Bill which would legalise abortion on demand up to 6 months.
Mr Fitzpatrick, who previously managed the Louth GAA team, was first elected to the Dáil as a Fine Gael TD in the 2011 general election. After his departure from Fine Gael, he became the first Independent TDto be elected in Co Louth since James Coburn in 1932, who later joined Fine Gael.
“It is with a mix of emotions, a deep sense of responsibility and reflection that I announce that I will not contest the next general election,” Mr Fitzpatrick said, in a statement to Louth broadcaster LMFM.
“I am very proud to have gained election to Dáil Éireann on three separate occasions, including doing the seemingly impossible and being voted in as an Independent.
“This milestone was both challenging and rewarding and was a collective effort supported by an incredible network of individuals.”
“I am very proud of my efforts in helping to create a more caring and compassionate Ireland. Among my most important campaigns was the opposition of the legalisation of abortion in Ireland of which I felt very strongly about.”
He added: “I’ve been so proud to represent you all. I am indebted to my colleagues in the Regional Group of TDs for their ongoing support,
guidance, friendship and commitment to regional issues. It has been an immense privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to advancing our shared goals.
“I would like to thank my colleagues in Leinster House; of all political persuasion; thank you for the many friendships and commitments forged over the years. I would like to thank my wonderful wife Ann, my children and my extended family including my grandchildren for providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey.
“I want to pay tribute to my dedicated staff in my constituency office who made my success possible throughout my tenure. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank every single person who ever supported and campaigned for me – these staff and volunteers were key to my re-election over the years, and I am very grateful to them all.
“It has been my honour and privilege to represent the people of my hometown of Dundalk, County Louth and East-Meath in the Dáil since 2011, and I look forward to continuing to do so for the remainder of this Dáil term.”
Mr Fitzpatrick added: “The day I was chosen by the people of this constituency to represent them and advocate for their interests remains the proudest moment of my life, and I genuinely mean that, but now is the right time to explore new options and opportunities.
“I remain committed to serving our community and contributing to its betterment in new capacities.”