Fine Gael TD Joe Carey to Leave Politics Due to Health Issues

Joe Carey, a well-known Fine Gael TD from Clare, has announced he is stepping down. This decision ends his long and dedicated political career. He is the 16th Fine Gael TD not running in the next general election.

Joe Carey, 49, has been on sick leave since March 2023. He says he made this tough choice based on medical advice. Carey has been dealing with a serious health issue that will affect him for the rest of his life. He shared that he needs to focus on his health and family now.

Carey began his political career in 1999 when he was just 23. He won a seat on the Clare County Council. By 2004, he set a record for the most first preference votes in the county’s local elections. In 2007, he moved on to Dáil Éireann, where he served until now.

Throughout his 25 years in politics, Carey has been deeply thankful for the support of his voters. He won elections in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2020. His dedication and hard work made a big difference in Clare and beyond.

In his farewell message, Carey thanked his election team, especially those who worked closely with him. He expressed deep thanks to the Fine Gael party and other Oireachtas members who supported him during his illness. Carey also wished Taoiseach Simon Harris the best for the upcoming election, praising his impact and success.

Joe Carey's resignation adds to a growing list of Fine Gael TDs not seeking re-election. He joins 15 others from the 2020 General Election who have either already left or announced they will not run again. This trend shows a period of change within the party.
 

Who is Joe Carey?

Joe Carey has been a key figure in Fine Gael. He is the party's spokesperson for Transport and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications. 

He first entered the Dáil in May 2007, winning the fourth seat in Clare. This victory marked the first time Fine Gael won a second seat in Clare in twenty years. 

Before joining Dáil Éireann, Carey served on Clare County Council starting in June 1999. In 2004, he received the highest vote ever recorded in Clare's local elections.