Pippa Hackett announces plan to step back from politics

Green Party politician Pippa Hackett has announced her intention to step back from politics.

It comes after the Green Party saw a particularly poor performance in the polls over the weekend.

Taking to social media to share the news, Hackett wrote: “I am an ordinary sort of person. I get on with life: working, cooking, cleaning, gardening, farming, and raising my family. I also like horses, running, and spending time outdoors in nature.

"I never imagined getting into politics. 10 years ago it was the furthest thing from my mind, so it was more by accident than design. And what a privilege it was to be elected to Offaly County Council in 2019, and then to Seanad Éireann in 2020. It has been the honour of my life to be the first female Senator to sit at Cabinet.

"If I wanted to be a career politician, I would have joined another political party, and taken an easier road. But I joined a Party that believed in putting nature, the environment and social justice at the core of what we do as a country. And I still believe in that.

"Politics can be incredibly tough. Long hours, time away from home and family, and the constant abuse and negativity on social media is draining.

"After four and a half years as a Minister, and nearly nine years in party politics, it is time for me to step back and focus on other aspects of my life. I will continue to champion the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. We have no future without it, and I look forward to whatever opportunities lie ahead to enable me to do that - in my personal life or in other lines of work.

"My family have made huge sacrifices for me over the past number of years, and I look forward to spending more time with them, and being a bigger part of my children’s lives.

"I want to thank all the wonderful people I have met along the way. Your support and kindness has been so important. Onwards and upwards - life goes on!”