Calleary hails Eamon Ó Cuív as ‘a real champion of the West’ after Galway West TD decides not to contest next election

MINISTER Dara Calleary TD has paid tribute to Fianna Fáil veteran Eamon Ó Cuív after he announced that he will not be contesting the next general election. 

The Galway West TD served part of the South Mayo area when it was part of his constituency between 2016 and 2023 and once operated a constituency office in Ballinrobe. 

A TD since 1992, Deputy Ó Cuív served in ministerial positions during his career, including Minister for Social Protection and as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. He also served as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil from 2011 to 2012. 

In a statement, his party colleague Dara Calleary described him as ‘a real champion of the West and of rural Ireland’.

“He has been an outstanding TD and Minister particularly in the Department of Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs which he set-up and which is now headquartered in Ballina. He initiated the CLÁR Programme which has been and continues to be of huge benefit to communities and organisations across rural Ireland and was instrumental in respect of support for the Irish language,” said Minister Calleary.

“He was an excellent advocate for the farming and fishing community and an all-round exemplary parliamentarian. He will be a huge loss to Fianna Fáil, to his Galway West constituents and to public life but he has earned the right to retire and enjoy a well-deserved period of free time [his wife] with Áíne and the family.” 

The Cornamona-based TD will continue to serve as TD for Galway West until the end of the current Dáil. 

In an interview with Galway Bay FM, the 74-year-old said a desire for more family time influenced his decision to retire.