The Fine Gael TD for Clare Joe Carey has announced he is resigning from public life because of serious health issues. Mr Carey has been on sick leave since March 2023 and, on Monday, confirmed he will not be a candidate in the next general election. 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. He told them that had been the reason he had made the difficult decision to retire from a job he loved.

“In the past year, I suffered a life-altering medical situation that I will be dealing with for the rest of my time on earth. While I would dearly wish to continue, my decision to step away is based on medical advice.

“I have had the absolute privilege to serve for the past 25 years as a public representative, eight as a county councillor and 17 as a TD.”

Mr Carey is the son of Donal Carey, a long-serving Senator and TD for Clare until he lost his seat in the 2002 general election. Joe was elected in the 2007 general election and retained the seat over the three succeeding elections.

Sixteen of 35 Fine Gael TDs who won seats in 2020 have now confirmed they will not contest the next general election.

A Growing Trend of Resignations

This decision comes amidst a growing trend of Fine Gael TDs stepping down from politics ahead of the next general election. The reasons behind these decisions vary, but health issues, disillusionment with party politics, and a desire to pursue other opportunities have been cited as common factors.

In addition to Joe Carey, other prominent Fine Gael TDs who have announced their departure from politics include former Taoiseach and ex-Fine Gael party leader Leo Varadkar, former Fine Gael Deputy Leader Simon Coveney, Ciarán Cannon, John Paul Phelan, Michael Creed, Charlie Flanagan, Brendan Griffin, Joe McHugh, Fergus O’Dowd, David Stanton, Richard Bruton, Paul Kehoe, Josepha Madigan, and Michael Ring. This represents a significant exodus of experienced politicians from the party.

Impact on the Future of Fine Gael

The departure of these seasoned TDs has raised concerns about the future of Fine Gael. The party is facing a critical juncture, with a leadership transition underway and a general election looming. The party’s ability to attract new talent and maintain its electoral base will be crucial to its future success.

Reasons for Resignations

There are a number of reasons why so many TDs are choosing to leave politics at this time. Some, like Joe Carey, cite health issues as the primary factor. Others may be disillusioned with the current political climate, the constant pressures of public life, or the lack of progress on key issues. The changing nature of politics, with increased social media scrutiny and the rise of populism, may also be contributing factors.

Implications for the Upcoming Election

The departure of so many experienced TDs is likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming general election. Fine Gael will need to field new candidates in a number of constituencies, and it remains to be seen whether these candidates will be able to attract the same level of support as their predecessors.

The Importance of Representation

Joe Carey's resignation underscores the importance of political representation and the sacrifices that politicians often make for the sake of public service. It also highlights the need for political parties to be prepared for leadership transitions and to attract new talent.

What’s Next?

Joe Carey's decision to step down from politics comes as a disappointment to many in his constituency. His departure creates a void that will be difficult to fill. However, it also presents an opportunity for new leadership to emerge. His sister, Leonora, is expected to seek the nomination to replace him in the upcoming general election. It will be interesting to see how the Fine Gael selection convention plays out and who emerges as the party's candidate in Clare. The upcoming general election promises to be a closely watched contest, and the departure of so many seasoned TDs is sure to add an extra layer of intrigue to the campaign.