Former Fine Gael TD Tom Hayes has decided not to contest the next General Election.
In a statement released this morning, he said he came to the decision after a lot of thought and consultation with his family.
Tom Hayes lost his seat in the last General Election, as did party colleague Noel Coonan; leaving the party with no Dáil representative in the Tipperary constituency.
The former Minister of State had originally signalled his intention to seek the party nomination in a bid to regain his seat.
The Golden based farmer was among 8 candidates who had put their names forward to the Fine Gael declaration convention which takes place at the Ragg next Friday night.
Tom Hayes has been involved in public life since his election to Tipperary South Riding Council in 1991.
He was elected to the Seanad in 1997 and entered the Dáil in the bye-election of 2001.
Tom Hayes went on to top the poll in every subsequent General Election he contested, until the amalgamation of North and South Tipperary for last years election.
He also served as Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party for 8 years.
Tom Hayes has thanked his supporters and constituents and says he was honoured to represent them throughout his political career.
