THE political landscape in the Laois/Offaly constituency was rocked on Monday last with the announcement that Fine Gael’s Olwyn Enright will not contest the next general election.
Citing her reasons not to contest the next election, Fine Gael’s former spokesperson on education and science, and social and family affairs said: “Ever since I first became involved in politics I have enjoyed dedicating myself to the tasks involved.
“However, my personal circumstances have changed greatly since I was first elected and in the longer term, with a young family, I will not be in the position to give the enormous commitment the position requires, and that my constituents deserve.”
Deputy Enright was raised on politics with her father Tom Enright, who was first elected as councillor in Offaly in 1967. Two years later, he was elected TD for the constituency. He held the seat until 1992, losing out to Labour’s Pat Gallagher, but regained it again in 1997 and retired from active politics in 2002.
It was little wonder that deputy Enright took up the political mantle after her father. She cut her political teeth locally and was elected onto Offaly Co Council in the Birr electoral area in 1999.
Three years later, she was elected as a TD for the constituency and remains in that position until the next election is called.
Speaking about her decision, deputy Enright said: “I did not come to this decision lightly, or overnight. This has been a difficult decision that I have deliberated over for some time. “It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the people of both Laois and Offaly for almost the last decade. I deeply appreciate the trust they placed in me. It is a role I have cherished and endeavoured to work very hard in.”
Reacting to the announcement, her constituency party colleague deputy Charlie Flanagan said: “Olwyn Enright will be sadly missed when she leaves electoral politics at the next general election. Olwyn and I have worked well together as a team in Laois/Offaly. I wish her great happiness and success in the next phase of her life and career.”