Creed to step down after next election

Cork TD Michael Creed will not contest the next general election, it was revealed last night. The Cork North West TD is a former agriculture minister and has represented North Cork since 1989.

He is the second Fine Gael TD recently to reveal that he won’t stand for election after Carlow-Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan announced he would resign as a TD at the end of the Dáil term.

He announced his decision at a Fine Gael AGM in Millstreet last night.

Today he released a statement, saying: “Last night I informed the Fine Gael Cork North West Constituency Executive that I have decided not to contest the next general election.

“I will always be grateful to the people of Cork North West for giving me the privilege of representing them in Dáil Éireann. It is my firm intention to continue to work on their behalf until the end of the current Dáil term.

“My commitment to the Fine Gael party and its leadership is unchanged. I informed the Taoiseach of my decision some days ago. I wish the Fine Gael party and all my Oireachtas colleagues the very best. Politics by its nature requires renewal and it’s time for me to move on.”

The Macroom native was the minister for agriculture, food and the marine from 2016 to 2020. He was co-opted to Cork County Council in 1987 before becoming a TD two years later. He lost his seat in 2002 before regaining it in 2007.

An Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar TD called him a “true gentleman” and wished him well: “Michael has been an exceptional representative for Cork North West who has worked tirelessly for his constituents.

“In recent years he can point to the opening of the Macroom-Ballyvourney bypass as a major achievement. He secured State investment in local schools and other essential facilities, and worked hard to bring jobs to the constituency.

“Michael was a committed minister for agriculture who championed Irish farming and fishing, and sought to protect and grow these sectors in the face of various challenges.”