Former Labour party leader and current TD Pat Rabbitte has announced he will not contest the next general election.

He informed party members of his decision this evening.

The announcement comes despite a poll showing he would secure his seat if he ran.

Tánaiste Joan Burton praised the TD's 'distinguished service':

Pat Rabbitte has done the State distinguished service and will go down as one of the finest parliamentarians of this or any other generation — Joan Burton (@joanburton) July 6, 2015

Deputy Rabbitte has served as a representative of Dublin South-West since 1989, and was the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2011 until July 2014.

Speaking about the next election, Deputy Rabbitte told Sean Moncrieff earlier this year, "to be honest every Monday morning I decide that I won't be running... and then on Tuesday morning I'm definitely running. By Friday I'm really taking it very seriously.

"If you've been consigned to the knacker's yard at 65, your chances probably are not enhanced by the time your 67 or 68, and that's a reality that I have to look at," he added.