Statement by Ivana Bacik following announcement by Seán Sherlock

“Following his announcement that he will not be contesting the next general election, I want to thank my colleague Seán Sherlock TD, on his many years of service to the Labour Party and for the people of Mallow and Cork East.

“I know, having spoken with Seán, just how difficult a decision this was for him, but I also know that he has weighed up all the options, and that he has considered now is the right time for him to step back.

“Seán has been a great support to me as Chairperson of our Parliamentary party. Sean’s politics are rooted in the trade union and rural community roots of our Party, and in representing the concerns of the people of Cork East so ably for so long, Sean’s contribution to Labour has been critical to informing our work – he has truly always been a voice for those most in need.

“As a parliamentarian and national public representative, he has made vital contributions too. In the last Dáil, his work on the Special Committee on Climate Action in examining the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly will inform the response of the State to what is our greatest existential threat for years to come. Most recently, his ongoing efforts to bring to light failings in disability services for children and in our health service have been true to his political values in ensuring representation for the most vulnerable. Similarly, he has been vocal throughout the cost of living crisis in his work to ensure that all those in need have access to community welfare services and financial supports.

“As a Minister of State serving across three Departments, he leaves a legacy of important work through Horizon 2020 research funding and the Stormont House Agreements.

“Politics can be all consuming and does take a hidden toll on families, and for Seán this has also been a factor from an early age. Seán has decided now is the right time for him to announce that he will be stepping back after the next general election. I wish him, Máire and his three children all the best for the future. Sean’s experience will of course remain vital over the coming years in supporting our growing slate of Cork candidates for the local elections next year, and as mentor for the next generation of Labour general election candidates in Cork.”