The co-founders and former co-leaders of the Social Democrats, Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy, have confirmed they will not contest the next general election.
The pair announced their decision on Tuesday morning, stating it was "time for a new generation to take over".
The two TDs, along with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, founded the party in 2015. Mr Donnelly subsequently left the party in 2016 before joining Fianna Fáil.
Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall remained as co-leaders of the party until February 2023, when they announced their decision to stand down from the leadership, with Cork South-West TD Holly Cairns chosen as their replacement.
Party leader @HollyCairnsTD has paid tribute to former co-leaders @CathMurphyTD and @RoisinShortall after they announced they will not contest the forthcoming general election.
Full statement here 👇https://t.co/MwZfM55bOK
Advertisement— Social Democrats (@SocDems) July 2, 2024
"It has been such a privilege to work in politics alongside colleagues who have shared my energy, commitment and vision for the future," Ms Murphy said in a statement shared by the party.
She added it was her "absolute honour" to represent her constituency of North Kildare, having first been elected as a TD in 2005.
"While I am bowing out of representational politics, I will continue to work in whatever way I can to support Holly Cairns and the next generation in Kildare and elsewhere, in advocating for and delivering on a social democratic future," Ms Murphy added.
TD for Dublin North West, Ms Shortall was first elected to the Dáil in 1992.
In a statement, Ms Shortall said she has a "strong belief in the power of politics as a force for good", adding: "Politics has enormous potential to make people’s lives better and to create a fairer and more progressive country. I have worked in furtherance of those goals over the course of my career."
"While I have decided to step down from frontline politics, I hope to continue to work to build on progress already made in the development of the Social Democrats party.
"I truly believe the party can make a major contribution to creating a better Ireland for all," Ms Shortall added.
Ms Cairns paid tribute to Ms Murphy and Ms Shortall, describing them as "trailblazers in Irish politics".
"I can say that I would not be in politics were it not for Catherine and Róisín’s decision to set up the Social Democrats.
"Their commitment to public service, belief in the possibility of a fairer society and dedication to strictly adhering to social democratic principles were, and are, an inspiration to me and many others," Ms Cairns said.
