People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett says he's undergoing treatment for throat cancer.
The Dun Laoghaire TD is stepping back from politics for the duration of his treatment but his office will remain open, with former TD Bríd Smith stepping in to assist.
He says he noticed a lump on his throat during the general election campaign.
People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire Richard Boyd Barrett has announced that he he is stepping back from politics for a period as he receives treatment for throat cancer.
Richard Boyd Barrett said: “I recently received a cancer diagnosis and I am about to begin a treatment… pic.twitter.com/ypfFQnPyTe
— People Before Profit (@pb4p) April 7, 2025
Deputy Boyd Barrett says: "I recently received a cancer diagnosis and I am about to begin a treatment programme. I have been advised by my doctors to take a complete break to focus on my treatment and recovery. I will therefore take an extended period of leave starting later this week.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the health workers who have been looking after me so well. I am relying entirely on the public health care system and I hope that the Government will fulfill their commitment to resource and staff our public health service so the health workers can look after us all the way that they want to do.
"Bríd Smith will be helping to run my constituency office in my absence and I want to thank her and the constituency team for their support.
"I’m disappointed to have to step back from my work during this time, but I look forward to getting back as soon as possible to representing my constituents and campaigning on housing; to ensure that ordinary people are not made to pay for Trump’s tariff wars; to defend our neutrality; for the people of Gaza; and all the other issues that are central to my political life.
"Finally I would like to thank everyone for all the good wishes today. I have received many messages of support from my family, friends, from my party, from other political colleagues, and from the public, I really appreciate all the kind words."
