Sinn Féin's Imelda Munster will not run in next general election
Imelda Munster, Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath, has announced today that she will not be seeking re-election to the Dáil in the next general election.
Deputy Munster was first elected to the Dáil in 2016 and topped the poll in the constituency in 2020. Prior to this, she had spent 12 years on Louth County Council.
Deputy Munster is spokesperson for media, tourism and sport and has previously held the transport and business briefs on behalf of Sinn Féin. She is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Joint Committee on Media, Sport, Tourism, the Arts and Culture.
Deputy Munster said:
“It has been my honour and privilege to represent the people of my hometown Drogheda and County Louth in the Dáil since 2016, and I look forward to continuing to do so for the remainder of this Dáil term.
“I entered politics because I love Drogheda and I wanted to work for my community. I have always done my best to be a strong Republican voice on behalf of the people of Drogheda. I am proud to have been able to represent the town and the wider constituency for the past twenty years.
“I will always reflect fondly on the fact that I was the first woman ever elected to this constituency. I also made history by receiving the highest vote of any TD ever elected here.
“It may sound like a political cliché, but I truly and genuinely mean it when I say that the proudest day of my life was the day I was chosen by the people of this constituency to be their representative and to work on their behalf.
“From the very first day I was elected I’ve had the people Drogheda to the fore of my mind, whether it was on Louth County Council or in Dáil Éireann.
“I’ve spent my time as a representative raising issues for our town and county, and fighting the corner of those I’ve been so proud to represent.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the local Sinn Féin organisation, old and new, past and present for their hard work and unwavering support over the years.
“It’s been my honour and privilege to work on behalf of the people of Louth and East Meath and I will continue to work hard on their behalf until this Dáil term comes to a close.
“I’m confident my replacement, whoever they may be, will have the same commitment to hard work and will continue to be a strong voice for the people of this constituency.”
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD paid tribute to her colleague and friend.
Deputy McDonald has thanked Imelda for her massive contribution to Sinn Féin, and for her public service and leadership.
Teachta McDonald said:
"I want to sincerely thank Imelda for the massive contribution she has made to Sinn Féin locally and nationally, over two decades in public office and in over thirty-five years of political activism.
"Imelda has served with distinction as a member of the Dáil since 2016 and as a member of Louth County Council for twelve years prior to that.
“Imelda is immensely respected and loved in her native Drogheda, across Louth and beyond. It has been my pleasure and honour to serve alongside her for many years.
"Imelda's ability to hold Ministers to account, her straight talking in Committees and her sharp intellect has earned her much respect across the political divide.
"Someone of her incredible talent and calibre will be sorely missed from our team in Leinster House, but I know that Imelda will remain a proud and committed member of Sinn Féin as we continue on our journey to a United Ireland. Her commitment to Drogheda and to County Louth will never, ever wane.
“Imelda’s family are the most important people in her life. I wish Imelda, Niall and all the family the very best of luck for the future. Ádh mór Imelda."