By Bruno Waterfield - 19th May 2004
EU health chief David Byrne will not be returning to Brussels in a new-look November European Commission.
The Irish commissioner is citing private reasons for his choice to step down from his health and consumer protection post.
"I have enjoyed my time as a commissioner," he told journalists on Wednesday "But it is my intention now to step back into private life."
Dublin sources suggest that Byrne would not have been nominated by Bertie Ahern - despite close political connections with the Irish prime minister.
The softly spoken but tough talking Byrne has led EU crusades against tobacco and oversaw Europe's response to the BSE crisis.
He announces his decision to quit as the EU ends a freeze on GM foods.
Byrne has pioneered Europe's treatment of GM products as an issue of consumer choice rather than food safety.
He was thought to be eyeing a possible future in the next Brussels administration in justice and home affairs.
His move may clear the way for European Parliament chief Pat Cox to return to Brussels as Ireland's commissioner - perhaps even as president - when the EU executive's five year term ends at the end of October.
Before serving in Europe Byrne was attorney general in the Irish government from 1997 to 1999.
He has not announced a new career plan.
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