Tributes have been paid to Fine Gael's Galway West TD Pádraic McCormack after he confirmed he would not run in the next general election.
Party leader Enda Kenny said although "his re-election would have been assured", he respected Mr McCormack's decision.
"He contested 18 elections over the years and successfully contested all national elections having being returned to the Senate in 1987 and Dáil Éireann in 1989," Mr Kenny said.
Speaking this morning on RTÉ radio, Mr McCormack said as he was now 63 it was time to step aside and leave room for younger candidates.
