Outgoing Mayo Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers has confirmed to Midwest News today that she is to take a break from politics.

She is not contesting the forthcoming Seanad elections and did not seek a party nomination to do so after serving as Leader of the House in the last administration.

Ms. Chambers says she has taken the decision to leave public life after an 11-year involvement, firstly as a county councillor, then as a TD for five years before serving in the Senate.

While she is not ruling out a return to politics in the future, she says she is planning to take a different direction.