Walsh drops bombshell to open up battle in Galway West

Walsh would have retained a solid FG vote in the city – but his retirement could mean that Fine Gael relinquishes a seat to Sinn Fein as a direct result of this decision.

Walsh, in his early forties, has taken the unusual step to retire from politics after only one term in the Dail. He was first elected back in 2011.

He said that his decision was taken ‘in accordance with medical advice’.

“I have been experiencing health problems for some time, which have resulted in hospitalisation on two occasions recently. Thankfully, I’m currently on the mend but, unfortunately, my condition is liable to relapse or worsen unless considerable changes are made to my lifestyle,” he said.

“I am aware that there has been speculation concerning my political future since my most recent hospitalisation in September. I have done everything possible to resist making this decision and had hoped to overcome my condition in order to be able to continue. But in recent days, it has become clear that I have no choice but to accede to medical advice and withdraw my candidacy in the forthcoming general election.

“The demands of my role as a public representative have had an impact on my condition that is unsustainable in the long term,” he added.

Brian Walsh’s eleven years in public life have seen highs and lows; he lost the Fine Gael whip in 2013 after voting against the Government’s Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. He was re-admitted to the Fine Gael parliamentary party in April 2014.

Mr Walsh is married to Fiona, and they have two young daughters, Lisa and Amy. He worked in banking before moving into politics and retains extensive business interests.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.