TIPPERARY’s Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill, chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, will not contest the upcoming general election.

A dairy farmer from Thurles, Cahill has held a Dáil seat since 2016. He is one of the strongest voices in the Dáil on equestrian and racing matters.

In a statement this week, he said he would not be putting his name forward for election “on personal grounds following health advice”.

“This is obviously a very difficult decision, and one that I have made following discussions with those closest to me. Putting my name forward for election is not just a commitment for the upcoming six-week campaign; it is also a five-year commitment to meet the growing demands, both personally and professionally, that being a TD now entails. Being an effective TD requires a great deal of time and energy, and unfortunately, I do not believe that I can continue to make this commitment to the electorate for another five years.”

Cahill is a former president of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (2005-2011).

Government coalition leaders confirmed this week that there will be a general election before the end of the year.