Mairead McGuinness withdraws from presidential race on health grounds
Before withdrawing, the former EU Commissioner and Independent Catherine Connolly were the only confirmed candidates. Leader of Fine Gael and Tánaiste Simon Harris said the news has come 'as an awful shock' to the party.
She said: "I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name as the Fine Gael nominee for the Presidential election. This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week.
"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.
"I appreciate that this will come as a shock and disappointment to party members and colleagues in Fine Gael, but our political family is strong. 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.
"My focus now is my health and my family, and I ask for privacy in the time ahead."
In a statement, Simon Harris said: 'Mairead 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 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.'
The Tánaiste said Fine Gael will consider the Presidential election in the coming days. He added: '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.'
Fine Gael Director of Elections Minister Martin Haydon said: "As Fine Gael Director of Elections for the upcoming Presidential Elections, I wish to join with An Tánaiste, my Fine Gael Parliamentary Party colleagues and our members in acknowledging and paying tribute to Mairead McGuinness, who has served Fine Gael and Ireland with distinction in her public life.
The Fine Gael Executive Council will meet in the coming days to discuss the next steps, but for now, I, along with Mairead's many friends and colleagues within the party send their very best wishes to her and her family."
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