FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has paid tribute to Ireland East MEP Avril Doyle's "outstanding record of public service", following her surprise announcement that she would not be running in the European elections in June.
"I fully understand and respect her decision," Mr Kenny said, describing Ms Doyle as "a very formidable and influential legislator" whose recent work on the emissions-trading system had been widely praised in Europe.
Asked on RTÉ Radio's News at One why she was retiring, Ms Doyle said: "It's time . . . to reclaim my own agenda again on a personal and a professional level after 35 years as a public representative."
Fine Gael sources expressed surprise at the news of her impending retirement. However, there was "no row, no falling-out" with the party and the leader was informed of her decision some weeks ago, sources said.
Fine Gael was seen as having "fairly good" prospects of returning its two high-profile MEPs in the former Leinster constituency.
Speculation about a replacement candidate has begun. Dáil deputies are largely ruled out because success would mean a byelection. However, the party might approach Wexford-based Senator Liam Twomey or Senator John Paul Phelan from Kilkenny to stand. Another name featuring in speculation is former taoiseach and current EU ambassador to Washington John Bruton.
