Taoiseach 'confident' of retaining Laois TD for Fine Gael as he pays tribute to Charlie Flanagan

Charlie Flanagan made an outstanding contribution to Laois and Offaly according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who believes that Fine Gael will retain the Dáil seat held by the outgoing TD.

The Fine Gael leader issued a statement in the wake Dep Flanagan's decision not to contest the next General Election.

“Charlie Flanagan has made an outstanding contribution to his constituency of Laois and Offaly, to Ireland and to Fine Gael. He has represented his constituency almost continuously from 1987 onwards and has been a passionate advocate for the Midlands throughout his career. He has one of the most successful electoral records in the Dáil having won eight elections," he said.

When Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach in 2017, he appointed Dep Flanagan as Minister for Justice and Equality. The Taoiseach paid tribute to his work in this and other ministries. 

“He has held several senior positions in Government. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, he helped to bring about the Stormont House and the Fresh Start Agreements and helped to steer Ireland through Brexit negotiations by convening the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit. Charlie remains deeply interested in global affairs and I was pleased to appoint him to his current role as Chairman of the Oireachtas Justice Committee.

“He was also a reforming and diligent Minister for Justice, announcing Ireland’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention combating violence against women and domestic violence, and he formally established the Judicial Council," he said.

Dep Flanagan is the sole Fine Gael TD in Laois Offaly which will be split into two three-seat constituencies at the next election. 

“I am confident that Fine Gael will retain its seat in Laois at the next general election. We have an excellent team of councillors and will select one or more candidates in the months ahead, giving them plenty of time to prepare for an electoral contest and to retain the seat as well as challenging for a gain in the new Offaly constituency,” he said.

Charlie Flanagan's departure: A political dynasty which spanned 80 years in Laois and Offaly

It's nearly a year since Dep Flanagan said he was looking forward to what would have been his tenth General Election. Speaking at a Fine Gael pre-budget meeting he said he was “actively engaged" in his work as a TD for the Laois-Offaly constituency and was looking forward to seeking a mandate for the people in respect of work done and in respect of future plans for the constituency.

In Pictures: Charlie Flanagan's career serving Laois Offaly and Ireland

He also told reporters at the time that he was available to serve as Minister again if selected.