George Lee's quitting politics - just nine months after storming into the Dáil in a by-election victory.
He issued a statement confirming he was leaving both Fine Gael and Dail Eireann, saying he had done his best to contribute, but had virtually no influence or input into shaping Fine Gael s economic policies at this most critical time.
The former broadcaster says he's found his time with Fine Gael to be "personally unfulfilling".
He says that Party Leader Enda Kenny offered him a more visible role only when he told him he was intending to go.
"Last week when I told him I was resigning, he offered me a front bench position - too late" he said.
"From my point of view I had made up my mind on where I was going in the party and on the influence that I was having".
"I wasn't having the role I felt I set out to have" he added.
Reacting to the news, the Taoiseach says it's too early to be talking about by-elections.
Brian Cowen says he just wants to wish George Lee well.
"It's a big decision obviously for himself and his family and on a personal level I wish him well" he said.
"Politics is a tough life, it's a tough career".
"Obviously I haven't heard anything other than the announcement...so on a personal level I wish him well" he added.