Feighan announces that he will not contest next general election

Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has announced that he will not contest the next general election. 

“I have decided not to put my name forward to contest the next General Election for Fine Gael in the Roscommon/Galway Constituency.  This is a personal decision which is one I have not taken lightly but one I feel is taken in the best interest of my Party and my constituency. 

“Since my re-election in Roscommon/South Leitrim more than 4 years ago I’m honoured to have played my part as a member of the Government which has restored our nation’s sovereignty. 

“Roscommon Hospital will always be associated with my name. And I’ll always take pride in the fact that not only is Roscommon Hospital safer, but has a long term future with a €20m investment plan taking  place there. The introduction of the air ambulance and advanced para-medics has saved many dozens of lives.

“I am proud to have helped deliver over €200 million in infrastructure projects, which include:

· Helping solve the water crisis by securing up to €20 million in 2013 to resolve the poor quality of water within my constituency

· School projects in Ballinamore and Cloonakilla

· New Primary Care Centres in Ballinamore and Boyle

· Ballaghaderreen Bypass

· Delivered compensation to over 1,000 turf cutting families 

· Fought and delivered compensation to Arigna Miners

· I am particularly proud of the national tourist facility in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle which I pioneered at the commencement of my political career. 

“More importantly we are tackling the unemployment figures; the number of people signing on in the constituency has dropped by more than 20% since the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for jobs in February 2012.

“Countless other projects right across Roscommon and Leitrim have also benefitted from my active Government representation. 

“I have worked hard for constituents; I have always tried to be honourable and decent and I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout my political career.

“My work as a TD continues.  I will continue to fulfil my mandate as the local Fine Gael TD right up until Polling Day, whenever that may be, with energy and pride.”