Fianna Fáil TD John Browne has confirmed he will step down ahead of the General Election.

Mr Browne made the decision after meeting with his constituency supporters last night. He has been an elected representative for Wexford for 33 years.

His son James will go forward at the selection convention in next month.

In a statement leader Micheel Martin paid tribute to Mr Browne.

“John has represented the people of Wexford with passion and unwavering commitment since 1982,” the Fianna Fáil leader said. “He has served under three taoisigh and has had an impressive impact upon public life.

“John is a talented and dedicated representative who has worked tirelessly on behalf of communities across Wexford. His election to the Dáil in 1982, and his subsequent re-election in every General Election since then, is a testament to how hard he has worked down through the years and his status as a genuine community champion in the county. So too is the respect and affection in which he is held by colleagues on all sides of the political spectrum.”

Mr Browne served as a Minister of State in a number of departments.

Mr Martin added: “I want to wish John all the best on what is a well deserved retirement. His presence in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party will be greatly missed by his colleagues in the Dáil, Seanad and all the staff.”