There’s a toxicity in politics now... at times it’s like open season on you & your family
Fine Gael TD Cannon opts not to contest the next General Election
FINE Gael TD Ciaran Cannon has announced he will not contest the next General Election, noting his decision is partly due to “coarseness” and “toxicity in politics”.
In a statement announcing his decision, he noted it can often feel like “open season” on politicians and their families.
It brings the total number of sitting Fine Gael TDS not contesting the General Election to 10.
Deputy Cannon, 58, has served as Fine Gael’s TD for Galway East since 2011. He also served as a senator between 2007 and 2011.
Prior to joining Fine Gael in 2009, he served as leader of the now-defunct Progressive Democrats.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Cannon admitted the changing attitude towards politicians was a factor in his decision not to contest the next election.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed politics immensely and have been privileged to work alongside some very committed and talented people.
“After 20 years in any role, I think you begin to reach a point where you’ve given all you can give. I have a deep respect for the people who elected me again and again, and I’m either all in on their behalf, or I’m not.
“I sought election to make an impact, to do something of genuine value for society.
“That’s the inspiration for the vast majority of us in public life, and I’m confident that I can continue to have an impact in another role, with renewed purpose and passion. I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on my future. I spoke with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar just after Christmas and on a number of occasions since. He has been very supportive in allowing me the time and space to make this decision.
“It would be remiss of me not to comment on the difference between being a politician now and 20 years ago.
“That’s also been a factor in my decision to leave. There’s a coarseness, a toxicity in politics now that was barely palpable 20 years ago.
“None of us asks to be put on a pedestal, or to be treated any differently.
“We just ask to be treated with the same civility and respect as anyone else doing their job. Yes, politicians are subject to public scrutiny, and rightly so, but what we are experiencing right now goes far beyond that and can be deeply damaging to our wellbeing.
“At times it feels like it’s open season on you and your family. That’s not acceptable, nor indeed sustainable, if we want to have good people choosing politics as a career.”
The Taoiseach described Mr Cannon as “one of the hardest-working and most committed TDS in the Dail”.
Cannon’s decision not to contest the next election will come as another blow to the Fine Gael leader.
TDS not contesting the next election include Joe Mchugh, Brendan Griffin, John Paul Phelan, Paul Kehoe, David Stanton, Charlie Flanagan, Richard Bruton, Michael Creed and Fergus O’dowd. Former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy also stood down as a TD in April 2021.
None of us asks to be put on a pedestal
CIARAN CANNON ON
ROLES IN POLITICS