Green Party councillor and General Election candidate for Wicklow Deirdre de Burca was surprised by news today that Mildred Fox TD has decided not to stand as a candidate for election to the Dáil in 2007.

Cllr de Burca said: "Mildred's news has taken everybody by surprise. The Fox family have been a political dynasty in Wicklow. Mildred's father Johnny Fox was an extremely popular and admired politician and Mildred followed well in his footsteps. Her brother Christopher also continues to work hard on Wicklow County Council.

"The life of a politician and especially a TD is not easy for women generally, and for a woman with young children in particular. I regret seeing a female candidate stepping down. We need more women in politics rather than less.

"I wish Mildred the very best in whatever she decides to do next. Her decision means that the election campaign in the Wicklow constituency will be very interesting indeed."