Ring calls time on long political career

It's the end of an era in Mayo politics as long-serving Fine Gael TD Michael Ring calls time on a remarkable career spanning 45 years and six different decades. 

In a statement, the Westport-based TD said he had decided to retire "after much consideration and reflection with my family and supporters".

First elected to Westport Urban District Council in 1979, he claimed a seat on Mayo County Council in 1991 and was famously elected to Dáil Éireann in a by-election in the West Mayo constituency in 1994, defeating the odds-on favourite Beverley Flynn. Ring held his Dáil seat in the 1997 general election as Mayo became a five-seat constituency for the first time, topping the poll with over 10,000 votes. He retained his seat in the elections in 2002, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2020, and was appointed Minister of State for Tourism and Sport in 2011 before becoming Minister for Community and Rural Development in 2017, a position he held until mid-2020 when the current coalition government took office. 

“It is important to me to express my gratitude to all of you who have supported me and canvassed for me since I first ran for election back in 1979," Deputy Ring said in a statement. 

“Serving as an elected representative for 45 years, first on Westport Town Council, then Mayo County Council, and for the past 30 years in Dáil Éireann, has been the privilege of my life. I am profoundly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve my community and my country in various capacities, including Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Minister for Regional Economic Development and Minister for Community and Rural Development. The trust and support from my constituents has been humbling and inspiring.

“Reflecting on my three decades in the Dáil, I am proud of the significant developments and investments I have secured for Mayo and beyond, in my time as Minister. Initiatives such as The Gathering, The Wild Atlantic Way, and Ireland's Ancient East have revitalised tourism and created thousands of jobs. Re-opening the Sports Capital Programme, as well as setting up the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and Sport Ireland, have transformed communities across the country.

“In Mayo, we have witnessed transformative projects like the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, the redevelopment of Ballintubber Abbey, investment in the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, and enhancements to local sports facilities and greenways.

“Achievements like the Lough Mask to Westport Water Scheme, various sewerage schemes, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme are milestones I hold dear.

“Our party boasts strong leadership in Taoiseach Simon Harris and a dynamic team of ministers.

“We have enjoyed great success in recent elections, and I am confident in our prospects moving forward. Here in Mayo, we have done great work and I am confident that we will maintain and build on our seats in the next General Election and contribute to Fine Gael securing another term in Government. I will be doing everything here in Mayo to contribute to this.

“In closing, I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the people of Mayo. Your trust and support has allowed me to serve you, and I am eternally grateful. Representing you has been an honour and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Deputy Ring, aged 70, was widely expected to announce his retirement but his loss to Fine Gael in Mayo will be immense. He was ultimate vote-getter, averaging almost 12,000 first preferences in each of the six general elections from 1997 to 2020. He is also the last remaining TD in Mayo to have been first elected in the 20th century, and his 45 years in political life makes him one of the longest-serving public representatives in recent Mayo history.