Mayo TD Michael Ring calls it a day
MAYO Fine Gael TD Michael Ring is retiring from public life after 45 years of loyal service.
He has announced his decision not to contest the next general election despite growing pressure from senior Fine Gael party figures on him to run for another term.
First elected to Westport Urban Council in 1979 and later also serving on Mayo County Council from 1991 to 2004, he was first elected to Dáil Éireann in the 1994 Mayo West by-election and retained his seat in each general election since 1997.
In issuing a statement, the former government cabinet member said he had thought long and hard before reaching his decision.
“I will be 71 next December and I had to decide whether or not I wished to continue in office until the age of 76, in the event of me being re-elected.
“Having considered all aspects of the matter and consulting with my family, I am happy that now is the right time for me to bow out. I will miss it because it has been a great honour and it's a job I've really enjoyed.
“But I am now looking forward to a new chapter in my life and enjoying my retirement with my wife Ann, family and grandchildren. It was not an easy decision to make but I am relieved that I've finally made it. I thank everybody who supported me over the years and I can assure them there was not a day I did not work hard for them.”
His decision creates a major void in Fine Gael's general election ticket in the west Mayo area - but the party has time to identify and select a replacement candidate capable of retaining the seat alongside Minister of State Alan Dillon.
In his statement, Deputy Ring set out: “After much consideration and reflection with my family and supporters, I have decided that I will not be seeking a nomination to contest the next General Election.
“It is important to me to express my gratitude to all of you who have supported me and canvassed for me since I first ran for election back in 1979.
“Serving as an elected representative for 45 years, first on Westport Town Council, then Mayo County Council, and for the past 30 years in Dáil Éireann, has been the privilege of my life. I am profoundly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve my community and my country in various capacities, including Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Minister for Regional Economic Development and Minister for Community and Rural Development. The trust and support from my constituents has been humbling and inspiring.
“Reflecting on my three decades in the Dáil, I am proud of the significant developments and investments I have secured for Mayo and beyond, in my time as minister. Initiatives such as The Gathering, The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East have revitalised tourism and created thousands of jobs. Re-opening the Sports Capital Programme, as well as setting up the Rural Regeneration ad Development Fund (RRDF) and Sport Ireland, have transformed communities across the country.
“In Mayo, we have witnessed transformative projects like the Connaught GAA Centre of Excellence, the redevelopment of Ballintubber Abbey, investment in the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, and enhancements to local sports facilities and greenways.
“Achievements like the Lough Mask to Westport Water Scheme, various sewerage schemes, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme are milestones I hold dear.”
He continued: “Our party boasts strong leadership in Taoiseach Simon Harris, and a dynamic team of ministers.
“We have enjoyed great success in recent elections, and I am confident in our prospects moving forward.
“Here in Mayo, we have done great work and I am confident that we will maintain and build on our seats in the next General Election and contribute to Fine Gael securing another term in government. I will be doing everything here in Mayo to contribute to this.
“In closing, I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the people of Mayo. Your trust and support has allowed me to serve you, and I am eternally grateful. Representing you has been an honour and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”