Simon Coveney announces he’s “stepping out of politics” and will not run in general election

Simon Coveney has confirmed that he will not contest the next general election and is “stepping out of politics.”

The Fine Gael TD announced that won't run for the Dáil again in a lengthy statement posted to X.

In the statement, he thanked party members in his constituency, saying: “Being elected for 26 years has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South Central have put in me.”

Today I write to FG members in my constituency to say thank you.
Being elected for 26 yrs has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in CorkSouthCentral have put in me.
Now is the right time for renewal in FG & for me to change direction. pic.twitter.com/4occw2d0PO

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) July 10, 2024

“However, I have come to the view some time ago that it’s time for me to step out of politics at the next election,” he also commented, noting his decision to “seek new horizons in life outside of Dáil Éireann.”

Coveney was first elected to the Dáil in 1998 at just 25, in a by-election following the death of his father Hugh Coveney. He had served in Cabinet since 2011, holding a number of ministerial positions and is often credited with playing a pivotal role in the Brexit negotiations during his term as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He also served as Tánaiste from 2017-2020

In April, Coveney confirmed that he would step aside from his Cabinet position as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He noted that Taoiseach Simon Harris made clear his intentions to create a “new-look Fine Gael” and to promote new talent in the party.