Fine Gael TD Olivia Mitchell has confirmed she will not run in the next general election.

In a statement today, she said the time is right to pass the mantle on to a new generation as her constituency of Dublin-South is replaced by the newly-established Dublin-Rathdown.

Deputy Mitchell has spent 30 years as a public representative - including 18 consecutive years in the Dáil.

She has worked as Fine Gael spokesperson on areas like housing, environment, health, transport, and arts sports and tourism.

She is currently as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and of the Council of Europe.

"It has been an incomparable honour and privilege to represent the people of Dublin South at both national and local level", Ms Mitchell says.

"I am indebted to all those who voted for me through the years and for the tremendous support given to me by the Fine Gael members in the constituency".

She also thanked the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and former Fine Gael leaders.

"In leaving national politics, I am consoled in knowing that under the current Government, our country's fortunes are being turned around as more and more people return to work".

"I will of course continue working to represent the people of Dublin South and to secure the national recovery right up to the dissolution of the 31st Dáil", she adds.