Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has announced he will not contest the upcoming European elections in June.
Mr Markey, an MEP in the Midlans-North West constituency since 2020, has pulled out of the race for nomination.
He took the place of Mairead McGuinness, who gave up her seat to become European Commissioner for financial stability.
Current MEP Maria Walsh, and former jockey and Dancing with the Stars winner Nina Carberry will contest the election for the party in the constituency.
In a statement, Mr Markey said "I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands North-west constituency. I would like to thank all the members for all their generous and valued support.
"However, I believe the most viable path to winning two seats for Fine Gael in the election in June is with two candidates, and I wish the remaining candidates all the best during their campaigns.
“I am immensely proud of the work I have achieved in the last three years as an MEP since I took on the role after Mairead McGuinness became an EU Commissioner. In that time, I have worked hard for all my constituents on many matters including agricultural, energy, transport, fisheries, environmental and social issues.
“I would like to thank my family, supporters, team both in Ireland and Brussels, as well as the people of Midlands North-West whom I have been proud to serve.
“I also wish to thank Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and my fellow MEPs for their help and support and I want to wish our new leader Simon Harris every success in his new role.
“I will continue to remain in politics and plan to contest in future elections. My focus will return to my home county of Louth and in particular Drogheda which has faced particular challenges in recent months and years, I want to play a central role in tackling these issues and working closely with Fergus O'Dowd TD to carry on work he has completed over the last 22 years.”
