It’s all happening in Fine Gael this week.
Michael Noonan has announced his intention to step down as Finance Minister and that he will not be seeking re-election at the next General Election.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Noonan said that he did not wish to be considered for Cabinet by Enda Kenny’s successor and that he believes that “now is a good time for a new Finance Minister to take up office”.
You can read the statement in full below.
Following the Taoiseach’s announcement yesterday, I want to state that I do not wish to be considered for Cabinet by his successor, whoever that may be.
I have been honoured to serve as Minister for Finance since March 2011 and have introduced 6 annual budgets and one supplementary budget.
I believe now is a good time for a new Finance Minister to take up office. Ireland is the fastest growing economy in Europe, the budget is almost balanced and we are on the cusp of full employment.
I will continue to carry out my duties as Minister for Finance until a successor is appointed.
I will not be seeking re-election to Dáil Éireann at the next General Election. It has been a privilege to represent the people of Limerick since I was first elected in 1981 and I look forward to continuing to do so until an election is called.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
