“Now is the right time for renewal in FG and for me to change direction," he said.
Former Tanaiste Simon Coveney has announced that he is retiring from politics and will not contest the next general election.
"Being elected for 26 years has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South Central have put in me,” he said.
He added: “Now is the right time for renewal in FG and for me to change direction".