Minister Tony Killeen TD Will Not Contest General Election

Jan. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- The Fianna Fáil Deputy from County Clare says his decision follows medical appraisal and advice in recent weeks.

Minister Killeen stated: “I have informed the Taoiseach of my decision and I am deeply grateful to him for his backing particularly during my illness and cancer treatment.

“I have always tried to deal with people fairly and honestly and have accorded respect to political friend and foe alike. I sincerely thank the people of County Clare for their support during my 26 years as their public representative, as a County Councillor since 1985 and as a TD since 1992.  It has been a great honour to represent the people of Clare in Dáil Eireann and a privilege to serve as Minister.

“I am deeply grateful to my family, relatives, friends and the many dedicated members of the Fianna Fáil Party in Clare who canvassed for me over the years. Their support and guidance has enabled me to carry out my duties to the best of my ability”, Minister Killeen concluded.

Tony Killeen, who will be 59 in June, was born in Corofin, Co Clare. He and his wife Lily have 5 sons.

A former national school teacher, he was a member of Clare County Council from 1985 to 1997, during which time he served both as Vice-Chair and Chair, before being first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1992.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Defence on 23rd March 2010, Minister Killeen was Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry) since May 2008.

His political career since 2004 has also included Minister of State  portfolios at the Department of Communications, Energy, & Natural Resources, the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Labour Affairs).

-ENDS-

Note To Editor:
-   All interview requests should be submitted via email to Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR (media@dunphypr.com)