TD rules out a run in next election ‘as politics toxic’
Ex-DWTS winners & their lives now...
FINE Gael TD Ciaran Cannon has announced that he will not contest the next general election, noting his decision is partly due to “coarseness” and “toxicity in politics”.
In a statement revealing his decision, he noted that it can often feel like “open season” on politicians and their families.
It brings the total number of sitting
Fine Gael TDs who are not contesting the general election to 10.
Deputy Cannon has served as Fine Gael’s TD for Galway East since 2011. He also served as a senator from 2007 to 2011.
Prior to joining Fine Gael in 2009, he served as leader of the now-defunct Progressive Democrats.
In a statement on Monday, Cannon admitted that the changing attitude towards politicians was a factor in his decision not to contest the next election.
“I’ve enjoyed politics immensely and have been privileged to work alongside some very committed and talented people,” he said.
“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.
Value
“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 twenty 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 twenty years ago.”
SHE’S going from Dancing With The Stars to running for office.
Champion jockey Nina Carberry has announced her intention to stand for Fine Gael in the upcoming European Elections.
Nina (39) was always well-known as a champion jockey with a 17-year riding career and from a famous racing family.
But she became a household name after winning RTE’s Dancing With The Stars in 2022.
Her performance on the series — with pro-dancer Pasquale La Rocca — was regarded as one of the best since it started.
The show is known to give a boost to careers, and Nina has mentioned her winning turn on DWTS in her nomination video to constituency members.
Nina said she had proven herself in sport and business and “looks forward to bridging my drive and determination to this new opportunity.”
But as nifty Nina waltzes into politics, what about the other Dancing With the Stars winners?
Has the show helped boost their careers?
Sprint runner Jason was crowned winner of this year’s show on Sunday, after an emotional blindfolded dance with partner Karen Byrne.
Paralympic gold medallist Jason is visually impaired and so Karen chose to dance with a blindfold in order to step into his shoes.
He said after his win that he will go straight back to his job in Paralympics Ireland — but already, his main ambition has been realised.
Jason (36), who has Stargardt disease, affecting his central vision, wanted to prove anything is possible.
Smyth said: “For me, the message is about what’s possible. I’ve come from zero dancing, I’ve got less than 10pc vision.
“I’ve improved massively over this period of time and a huge part of that is Karen. To be in the final and to win has changed the perception.”
He is poised for a future in activism around challenging perceptions of those with disabilities.
Breakfast radio host Carl was the surprise winner last year — as the show was his first experience of dancing.
Carl was visibly stunned when he and dance partner Emily Barker were announced as the winners.
He said: “It’s an out of body experience.”
Carl (33) returned to his job on 2FM, presenting the morning show along with Doireann Garrihy and Donnacha O’Callaghan.
But he’s been busy raising two small children — welcoming a second baby with his wife Aisling.
Baby Eala was born last August, while their son Daibhi arrived in 2021.
The entertainment reporter lifted the Glitterball Trophy in March 2020 — just as Ireland went into lockdown.
As a result the pandemic Dancing With The Stars finale was a surreal one. Continuing Covid restrictions put the kibosh on the series in 2021. However, Lottie’s win was well-deserved, as she was a