Fine Gael TD Joe Carey Resigns From Politics Due To Health Concerns
Fine Gael TD for Clare Joe Carey has announced he is resigning as a public representative following medical advice. The decision was based on medical advice, he said. Mr Carey (49) added he had told party members in Clare that he had to prioritise himself, his wife, Grace, and his two children.
Mr Carey has been on sick leave since March 2023 and said he was now putting his wife and family first and will now leave a job that he loved. He is the 16th sitting Fine Gael TD to announce they will not be contesting the next general election.
Impact of the Resignation
Mr Carey’s resignation means Clare will have only two TDs until the next election as it is unlikely there will be a by-election to replace him before then. Michael McNamara stepped down upon his election to the European Parliament and there has, as yet, been no by-election to replace him.
The Resignation Announcement
In a statement, Mr Carey said that in the past year he had suffered a life-altering medical situation that he will be dealing with for the rest of his time on earth. He said while he would dearly wish to continue, his decision to step away is based on medical advice.
He also thanked party members for their support throughout his career. He said it was hard to believe that 25 years had passed since he was first elected to Clare County Council and said that it has been the greatest honour and privilege to be elected as a Fine Gael TD for County Clare at four successive General Elections.
Potential Successors
Ms Carey, whose father Donal was a Fine Gael TD for Clare and junior minister in the Rainbow Coalition government, is a former chair of the Fine Gael national executive and works for the University Hospital Limerick Group as an occupational therapist manager.
Farewell and Future
Mr Carey thanked the Fine Gael parliamentary party for their support throughout his illness, and also spoke about the support he had received from other Oireachtas members. He said he had been blown away by the messages, cards, texts, mass bouquets and get-well wishes.
Mr Carey also thanked the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and wished him the best in the upcoming election. He said his impact has already been spectacular, and he strongly expects the “Harris Hop” to be firmly enjoyed in County Clare and throughout the Country when the next General Election comes around.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Mr Carey, who has been a public representative for 25 years, expressed his gratitude to his constituents who had elected him to represent them both at council level and in the Dáil. He was first elected to Clare County Council in 1999 when he was 23. In the 2004 local elections, he topped the polls when at the time, he secured the highest ever number of first preference votes by a local election candidate in the county.
He went on to be elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007 at the age of 31. Mr Carey’s resignation has been met with sadness by many, including fellow politicians who have paid tribute to his service and dedication.
What's Next for Fine Gael in Clare?
The Fine Gael selection convention in Clare is due to take place in the West County Hotel in Ennis on Friday, September 6. The convention will see party members vote on who will be the next Fine Gael candidate for the Clare Dáil seat. This is a crucial time for Fine Gael in Clare as they seek to maintain their presence in the constituency.
The Future of Clare Politics
The resignation of Joe Carey marks a significant moment in Clare politics. It remains to be seen how his absence will impact the political landscape of the county. The next general election is expected to be held in 2025, and the race for the Clare Dáil seat is likely to be a closely contested one.
With his departure, a new chapter begins for Clare politics. The race for the Clare Dáil seat is sure to be a competitive one, and it will be interesting to see how the political landscape of the county evolves in the coming months and years.
