Mary Wallace not to seek re-election

Fianna Fail Meath East TD, Mary Wallace, has announced that she is not to run in the forthcoming general election. A TD for Meath and Meath East since 1989, she was first elected to Meath County Council at 22 years of age in 1982, and was elected to Seanad Éireann in June 1987. She served as minister of state at the departments of Justice, Equality & Law Reform; Agriculture and Food; and Health and Children. Ms Wallace said: "Having laboured extensively over this very difficult decision, I can honestly say that I now feel somewhat relieved. "While I can look back over 30 years of public service with great pride, I am also really looking forward to new challenges and to opening a new chapter in my life. This is a great community and a great country and I look forward to the future with optimism and confidence.' Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Ms Wallace has had a long and distinguished career in which she has been a very hard-working and productive representative for the people of Meath. "She has been a very active local politician and she has a well deserved reputation for delivering for her constituents," he said. Her departure will add to the shake-up of Meath already caused by the impending retirement of Meath West TD, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey. She joins FF TDs Tony Killeen, Michael Finneran and Michael Woods in announcing their departures this week. Deputy Wallace lives at Fairyhouse, Ratoath and is married to builder Declan Gannon, with a son, Tom.