Statement from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam

“Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the political life of Dublin Central and of our country with Paschal Donohoe’s decision to step down from Cabinet and from Dáil Éireann as TD for Dublin Central.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Paschal since 2007, when he was first elected to Seanad Éireann. From that first Seanad term, through his election to the Dáil in 2011 and right up to his most recent general election success last year, ours has been a genuine partnership. Together, we have built a strong, resilient Fine Gael organisation in Dublin Central – one that has grown, won, lost, learned and ultimately regained the trust of local communities across Cabra, Phibsborough, Stoneybatter, the North Inner City and beyond.

“Paschal’s contribution to Irish politics has been immense. As a Minister in governments led by Enda Kenny, Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, he has brought the same qualities to every table: seriousness of purpose, intellectual rigour and a deep sense of public duty. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, he helped support a recovering economy and a growing tourism sector. As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and later as Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, he steered our public finances from crisis to stability – restoring budget surpluses, underpinning the National Development Plan and managing unprecedented corporate tax receipts with long-term prudence rather than short-term politics.

“In Europe, as President of the Eurogroup, he has ensured that Ireland’s voice has carried real weight at the heart of the euro area, shaping decisions that will resonate for years to come.

“Paschal has been an intellectual powerhouse for both party and country – always better prepared than anyone else in the room, always willing to do the hard work, and always focused on how decisions made in Government Buildings would affect lives in our own streets and neighbourhoods. Budgets he crafted, choices he made about investing in our economy, our infrastructure and our public services, and the steady way in which he approached shocks like Brexit and the pandemic will be remembered long after the day-to-day noise of politics has faded.

“On a personal level, I want to thank Paschal for his friendship, his advice and his unwavering support over almost two decades. I simply would not have achieved what I have in Dublin Central without him. It has been one of the great honours of my political life to work with him for the people we serve.

“While Paschal is leaving the Cabinet table and the Dáil chamber, I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to public life and to the wider debate about Ireland’s future. For now, I wish him, Justine and their family every happiness and I say simply: thank you, Paschal, for all you have done for Dublin Central and for Ireland.”