Kerry TD Brendan Griffin has declined an offer of a junior ministerial position due to family reasons.
The Fine Gael politician was understood to have been offered a position by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar but he declined to accept.
In a statement released on Twitter by RTÉ political correspondent Micheál Lehane, a native of Caherciveen, Deputy Griffin said: “It is with regret that I am unable to take on a ministerial position at this particular time due to family reasons. I will continue to carry out my duties as a TD for Kerry with commitment and dedication.”
He added: “I wish my friend and colleague, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, every success in his important work for our country and I thank him for considering me.
“I send my heartiest congratulations to my colleagues who have been appointed to ministerial roles and wish them well”.
Deputy Griffin (40) previously held the post of junior tourism and sport and he was deputy government chief whip in th4 outgoing administration.
He is expected to issue a statement on the matter later this afternoon.
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