HAYES QUITS AS AN MEP
Career & family behind Fine gael man’s decision
FINE Gael MEP Brian Hayes announced yesterday he is stepping down for “family and professional reasons.”
The Dublin representative said he will not contest next year’s European Parliament elections.
He will take on the role as chief executive of the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.
Mr Hayes added: “I am announcing today I will not be contesting next year’s European Parliament elections.
“My decision brings to an end to my role in active frontline politics, something that has been a constant in my life over the last 25 years.
“There comes a time for everyone in politics to leave the stage – for me that time is now.”
Mr Hayes was first elected as a TD in 1997 but has been in the European Parliament since 2014.
He said the party has “never been in such a healthy condition” and
under Leo Varadkar’s leadership it will continue doing great things.
Mr Hayes added: “Being elected to public office is a great honour.
“I have never taken it for granted. I remain deeply grateful to the trust placed in me by the public in each of the eight elections I have contested.
“It has been a privilege to serve as a councillor, senator, TD, minister and MEP. I am taking this decision for family and professional reasons. There is life after politics.”
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said: “Brian has been a great colleague and has excelled in his time at the Department of Finance and here in Brussels defending and defining Ireland’s economic position.
“I wish him the very best in his retirement from political life.
“He will be missed in parliament.
“MEP Hayes and myself were both elected to the Dail in 1997 and also both elected to the European Parliament in 2014.
“We have worked very well together and I congratulate him on 25 years in political life.”
There comes a time for everyone to leave the stage. That time is now BRIAN hayes mep YESTERDAY