FINE GAEL TD Joe Carey has resigned as a public representative and confirmed that he will not contest the next General Election.

The Clare politician, who has been on sick leave since March last year, said his decision was based on medical advice. 

In a statement, Carey said he had to put himself, his wife and his family first and retire from a job that 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,” he said.

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. I want to express my sincere thanks to my constituents who elected me to represent them on Clare County Council and in Dáil Éireann on six separate occasions.”

Carey was first elected to Clare County Council in 1999 at the age of 23. A native of Clarecastle, he went on to be elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007 and retained his seat in the 2011, 2016 and 2020 elections.

In his letter to party members, Carey said he wanted to express his gratitude to them for campaigning with him throughout his political career.

“It is hard to believe but 25 years have passed since I was first elected to Clare County Council. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to be elected as a Fine Gael TD for County Clare at four successive General Elections,” Carey said. 

He thanked the “extraordinary people” who have worked in his office over the years, his election team, Clare Fine Gael members and the general public “for their patience and understanding throughout his illness”. 

Carey paid tribute to his sister Leonora and brother Donal, the extended Carey family and his friends.

“The Fine Gael parliamentary party have been really supportive as have Oireachtas members from all political parties and none. I have been blown away by the messages, cards, texts, mass bouquets and get-well wishes.”

He also wished Taoiseach Simon Harris “all the best” in the upcoming General Election. 

“His impact has already been spectacular, and I strongly expect the ‘Harris Hop’ to be firmly enjoyed in County Clare and throughout the Country when the next General Election comes around,” he added. 

Throughout his career, Carey served as Deputy Spokesperson on Justice with special responsibility for Juvenile Justice and Assistant Government Chief Whip.

He chaired the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Administration, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications, respectively. 

He was also appointed to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly and chaired the Committee on Sovereign Matters. 

‘Outstanding champion’

Paying tribute to Carey, the Taoiseach said he is an “outstanding champion for the people of Clare”.

Joe Carey is an outstanding champion for the people of Clare.

Joe is putting his health first and he has all of our support in Fine Gael on that journey.

He leaves the Clare constituency ready for the future and is moving to his next chapter with all of our support. pic.twitter.com/SyqlnPNNaW

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 26, 2024

“Joe is putting his health first and he has all of our support in Fine Gael on that journey,” Harris said.

“He leaves the Clare constituency ready for the future and is moving to his next chapter with all of our support.”

Education Minister Patrick O’Donovan also wished his “good friend and neighbour” Carey the best. 

“I’ve known Joe for years and in that time he has been a great servant to The Banner. I wish him good health for the years ahead,” O’Donovan said.

Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway said it has been a privilege to work with Carey for the last twenty years, particularly the last thirteen years as part of the Oireachtas.

“We have worked together as members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to ensure Government delivered for County Clare and its people,” he said. 

“Joe has been a great advocate for the people of County Clare. In recent times, Joe has undergone significant medical challenges and I have no doubt it has been a very difficult time for him.

“I would like to wish Joe, Grace and their family the very best for the future.”

Sister to seek party nomination

His sister Leonora, who has served as Chair of Fine Gael’s National Executive Council, is hoping to retain the seat held by Carey since 2007.

Leonora Carey is currently employed as Occupational Therapist Manager with the University of Limerick Hospitals Group having previously worked with Milford Care Centre.

“Although I have held positions at officer level in Clare and Dublin Central for almost 30 years, I am fully aware that there is no greater honour than working on behalf of your neighbours, friends and community as a public representative,” she said.

“The issues facing people in Clare and the Mid-West require a new approach to how politicians can make a real difference to the lives of ordinary people. Over the coming weeks, I will be engaging with party members to give me the opportunity to make that difference.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be selected as a Fine Gael candidate and win election to the Dáil, I will work full time to deliver a better future for the people of Clare,” Carey added.

The Fine Gael selection convention will be held in The West County Hotel, Ennis on Friday, 6 September.

With reporting from Gordon Deegan.