Shock as Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness pulls out of presidential race
Mairead McGuinness did not have to take part in a contest to become Fine Gael's candidate for president. Photo: David Conachy
Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness is to withdraw from the presidential election race on health grounds.
There is shock this evening within the party ranks after the former EU Commissioner who has led every opinion poll so far revealed the news.
The Irish Independent has seen an email sent to Fine Gael members by Ms McGuinness.
In it she says it was a 'very difficult decision' that was 'not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week'.
No details of her condition has been disclosed.
'My priority now is my health. Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all.
'I am taking this decision on medical advice and while it is extremely difficult, it is the right decision for me and my family.'
Ms McGuinness acknowledges in her note that the development 'will come as a shock' to party members.
'I have spoken with the Tánaiste and Party leader, Simon Harris, and thank him for his support and understanding.
'I also want to thank all of those people who have done so much to support me, now and in the past.'
The email concludes: 'My focus now is my health and my family and I ask for privacy in the time ahead.'
Mairead McGuinness did not have to take part in a contest to become Fine Gael's candidate for president. Photo: David Conachy
Ms McGuinness was the only name put forward for the party, although several others had been speculated upon including ex-MEP Sean Kelly, former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and former minister Heather Humphreys.
It was expected that Ms McGuinness would run a low key ground campaign over the summer before a formal launch next month.
However she has been noticeably absent from major public events such as last weekend's Tullamore Show.
Mairead McGuinness
News in 90 Seconds - August 14th
In a statement Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said Ms McGuinness 'has made an incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe'.
"It was our clear view in Fine Gael and the view of many people across Ireland that Mairead would make an excellent President of Ireland.
'Mairead's health will not now allow this. This has come as an awful shock to us all. Mairead is a valued member of our Fine Gael family. It is absolutely essential that she now prioritises her health and I know I speak for everyone when I wish her all the very best on that journey.'
He said Fine Gael will reconsider its strategy for the election.
'But that's for the time ahead, not for today. Today I want to pay tribute to Mairead. I want to thank her for all she has done. I want to wish her and Tom and their family all the best at this time and she knows we are all sending her our very best,' Ms Harris said.
It means the only candidate now formally in the race is Independent TD Catherine Connolly who has the backing of the Social Democrats, Labour Party and People Before Profit.
Ms McGuinness served as an MEP for six years and as European Financial Services Commissioner for four years in that time.
She first attempted a tilt at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2011 but lost out on Fine Gael nomination to Gay Mitchell.
It has been assumed ever since that she would be the frontrunner for the party.
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