Shock decision comes after 20 years an elected representative
“Someone of her incredible talent and calibre will be sorely missed from our team in Leinster House” – Mary Lou McDonald.
The Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath, Imelda Munster, has announced today that she will not be seeking re-election at the next general election.
Deputy Munster was first elected to the Dáil in 2016 and topped the poll 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.
In a statement issued this lunchtime, 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.”
Paying tribute to her party colleague, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD thanked Imelda for her massive contribution to Sinn Féin and for her public service and leadership.
“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” Teachta McDonald said.
“… 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 all the very best of luck for the future. Ádh mór Imelda.”
Reacting to the news, Deputy Ged Nash, the only Drogheda TD still in the race, wished Imelda, Niall and the family well into the future.
“Imelda gave good service to the people of Drogheda since her election to Louth County Council in 2004, and the Louth constituency since her election to the Dail in 2016” he said.
“I’m sure the decision not to contest the next election was not an easy one and I know that she will remain active in her party into the future. “I want to wish Imelda well in the next chapter of her life.”
