Denis Naughten announced in February he won’t be contesting the next General Election.
Covid and the nature of modern politics is causing TDs to have a think about their career choices, according to one deputy.
Roscommon Galway Denis Naughten has decided not to contest the next election, in order to pursue another career.
He follows the likes of Joe McHugh, Brendan Griffin, Eoghan Murphy and Michael D'Arcy leaving politics at a relatively young age.
The Independent Deputy says there is definitely a rise in people choosing to voluntarily walk away:
Meanwhile, former Mental Health Minister Jim Daly says leaving politics early felt like giving up smoking.
He was a junior minister in the last government before deciding not to contest his seat again.
He cited wanting to spend more time with his family - saying he'd only made three school plays for five kids over 16 years.
Daly says the difficulty in making real policy change within government also sparked his decision:
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026