GE 2024: John McGahon to step back from politics in Louth

2 days ago

Dundalk Democrat

Fine Gael Senator John McGahon has said he will be stepping back from politics to spend more time with his family, following a disappointing election campaign in Louth.

Speaking at the count centre in Dundalk today, Senator McGahon said that "obviously it's been a very difficult campaign for me, but I have genuinely been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of the people of Dundalk town. It's really meant a lot to me."

He continued, saying that "I've put politics first for a long time of my life and now it's time to put my wife, Áine, first. It's time to put my family first. And I'm looking forward to spending as much time [as I can] with them in the coming weeks.

"I really want to congratulate Paula Butterly, who will win the Fine Gael seat later today. Paula has been and exceptionally hard working councillor for the last four years, and I know she'll be an incredibly hard working TD, and will be able to represent the people of Louth, with exceptional ability for the next five years.

"I also want to really congratulate Ruairí Ó Murchú, who works very hard for Dundalk town. I've seen how hard Erin McGreehan works in the Senate, and will continue to do that in Dáil Éireann. And I've seen Ged [Nash] and see how hard he works for Drogheda, and I've also seen Joanna Byrne when I served with her on Louth County Council and I'm wishing them the very best for the next five years.

"It didn't work out for me today and that's politics. But I am so proud of everybody who has supported us in this campaign, I am so proud of the Fine Gael family who supported us so well, and so proud of my team. And I'm so proud of the thousands of people who put a number one in County Louth beside me, it means so much to me."

He added, "and like I've said earlier, I've been utterly overwhelmed with the kindness and the support that has been shown to me by the people of Dundalk."

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