Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness pulls out of presidential race following medical advice
|
35 mins ago
MAIREAD MCGUINNESS HAS withdrawn from the race for the Irish presidency.
Citing medical advice, the former Fine Gael MEP made the bombshell announcement this afternoon that she would no longer be contesting the election for the Áras.
McGuinness, who was previously a vice-president of the European Parliament, had been hotly tipped for the role to succeed Michael D Higgins in the vote later this year.
McGuinness said it was an 'extremely difficult' call but was adamant that it's the 'right decision' for her and her family.
'I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name as the Fine Gael nominee for the Presidential election,' McGuinness said in the surprise statement this afternoon.
'This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week,' McGuinness revealed.
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris paid paid tribute to McGuinness for her 'incredible contribution' to public life and said her pulling out of the race was an 'awful shock' to party members.
Mairead McGuinness has made an incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe. It was our clear view in
@FineGael
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.
pic.twitter.com/kHfJFklSlu
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD)
August 14, 2025
McGuinness said she had discussed the decision with Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, and thanked him for his 'support and understanding' on the withdrawal.
It likely brings an end to a career that has spanned media, farming and politics, with McGuinness spending 20 years in Brussels as part of the EU political scene.
In her statement, she outlined that she does 'not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all' if she were to stand.
'My priority now is my health,' McGuinness said.
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.
McGuinness, who is 66, added: '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 also want to thank all of those people who have done so much to support me, now and in the past.'
Advertisement
Mairead McGuinness speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in 2009.
RollingNews.ie
RollingNews.ie
In a statement released by Harris, he said that 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', were she to be in a position to contest the election.
'Mairead's health will not now allow this,' the party leader said.
'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.'
Harris added that Fine Gael's executive council will convene in the coming days to 'consider further the Presidential election' for the party.
Fine Gael Director of Elections Martin Heydon said this meeting of the executive council would discuss the 'next steps' around whether it would stand a candidate in place of McGuinness.
'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,' Heydon said.
Independent TD Catherine Connolly, who launched her bid for the Áras last month, said McGuinness's decision 'has come as a shock to all of us'.
'Without a doubt this decision could not have been an easy one for her to make,' Connolly said in a statement.
'I would like to extend my best wishes to to Mairead and her family at this time, and all the best for the future.'
From RTÉ to Brussels
Before entering politics, McGuinness was best known for her role presenting RTÉ's Ear to the Ground TV programme. The Drogheda native also did stints with the Irish Farmers Journal and as editor of the Irish Independent's Farming Independent supplement.
She saw her first major success in politics at the 2004 European Parliament elections. With her background in television and farming media, she was able to scoop 25% of votes cast in the old East constituency, which covered Leinster outside of Dublin.
In 2009, she was re-elected and later served as an MEP for the Midlands–North-West constituency.
From 2014, McGuinness began moving into senior European roles, first serving as a vice-president of the European Parliament before getting promoted to the European Commission in 2020.
McGuinness saw her first major success in politics at the 2004 European Parliament elections - she's pictured here on the right alongside then-party leader Enda Kenny and fellow candidate Avril Doyle.
Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie
Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie
McGuinness spent four years as Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, departing the job after last year's elections.
McGuinness did not stand in last year's ballot, with a wide expectation that she was eyeing the opportunity to replace Michael D Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
9 hours ago
- The Journal
Healthcare workers march for Gaza in Dublin
IN DUBLIN'S CITY centre, healthcare workers gathered holding placards and Palestinian flags to protest against Israel's onslaught in the besieged Gaza Strip. The protestors, organised by Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, began their march in solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza and their patients at 1pm this afternoon, beginning from outside the RCSI on St Stephen's Green. A number of traditional Irish musicians played for the protestors before they began. They walked in silence down Grafton Street. Advertisement Irish healthcare workers Gemma Healy with Laura Gilen from Mayo and Denise Donnellan from Galway at Stephen's Green. Sasko Lazarov / © Sasko Lazarov / © / © A spokesperson for the organising group said that they were marching against Israel's killing of healthcare workers in Gaza and the starvation of civilians within the territory. 'Our healthcare colleagues in Gaza are being killed, abducted, tortured and starved – because they are healthcare workers. We are watching them die before our eyes, collapsing at work, telling their children to lick salt to stave off hunger. 'We are watching them trying to mend the broken wasted bodies of patients who can't heal because they are so malnourished.' Sasko Lazarov / © Sasko Lazarov / © / © The group said that there was little they could do without the support of the government, and called on the government to take further action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Among their requests was a call to enact the Occupied Territories Bill, which has been repeatedly delayed and revised since its introduction in 2018 by Senator Frances Black. The bill would ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man who killed Irish soldier Seán Rooney believed to be on the run in Iran
The runaway killer fled Lebannon and is said to be hiding in Iran. The man who killed Private Sean Rooney is believed to be hiding out in Iran, according to sources. Hezbollah fighter Mohammed Ayyad has not been seen in over a year but Government and diplomat sources suspect he has fled Lebanon for Iran. The runaway killer was sentenced to death a few weeks ago on July 28 last by a military tribunal for the murder of the 23-year-old Dundalk soldier. But he wasn't in court for the conviction and the Lebanese authorities gave no indication where he was. Ayyad was initially released on bail over a year ago on medical grounds. But yesterday the Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O'Murchu said it is unclear what his medical condition was. rooney News in 90 Seconds - August 16th He said: 'This guy seems to have vanished and nobody knows where he is." But Government insiders believe Ayyad has fled to Iran - the country which bankrolls the Hezbellah organisation in south Lebanon where Sean perished. One source said: 'We suspect he is in Iran and it is unlikely anyone will hand him over to face a death penalty. It is not a satisfactory situation but all we can do is keep the pressure on and see if we can get justice for Sean and his family." Ayyad was among a gang of men who opened fire on the UN peacekeepers convoy on December 14, 2022 in the village of Al-Aqbiya as they made their way to Beirut Airport. Sean lost his life while three other Irish soldiers, Private Shane Kearney, Corporal Joshua Phelan, and Private Nathan Byra were injured. The other Lebanese gunmen involved in the unprovoked attack got far lighter sentences. One got three months jail, another a one month jail sentence, another was fined the equivalent of appoximately €1800 and a fourth was acquitted. These are now being appealed by the Beirut government following pressure from Ireland and Sean's devastated family. The Minister for Defence Simon Harris and Sean's mother Natasha held a private meeting to discuss the case during the week. Mr Harris said: " The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case.. We have raised the issue with the UN, and the Lebanese authorities . This is a difficult time for his family and the 121th Infantry Battalion." The Lebanese authorities have not executed any prisoners in over 20 years so the Irish Government is pushing for the killer to be found to serve a life in prison instead. The Taoiseach Micheal Martin after the court verdict said: 'Sean was a soldier of great courage who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty. He was brave and diligent. "Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected." The Irish Coroner's Inquest into Sean Rooney's death has been postponed and no new date confirmed. Defence Minister Harris revealed in a reply to Deputy O'Murchu that the Coroner has received a response from the United Nations to her request that they should be an interested party at the Inquest and grant access to a number of UN reports. Details of the UN response have not been released publicly. Mr Harris also said that an independent review into the murder by Mr Michael Delaney SC is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques , processes, and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are lessons to be learned for the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney's death. Mr Delaney nis expected to report with Mr Harris in the autumn.
The Journal
11 hours ago
- The Journal
Presidential campaigning ramping up as potential candidates take stock after McGuinness withdrawal
NO WEEKEND REST today for public figures with their eyes on the forthcoming presidential election. Campaigning is picking up pace as potential candidates take stock of a changed election landscape after the unexpected withdrawal of Fine Gael nominee Mairéad McGuinness, who has taken herself out of the running due to health reasons after spending time recently in hospital. Fine Gael is now faced with deciding who will replace her to run against left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly and others who may secure a place on the ballot between now and the official start of the election period. Some potential contenders within the party include former MEP Seán Kelly, who previously signalled his interest in the role but ultimately did not challenge McGuinness' bid , and former TD Heather Humphreys. Speaking on Newstalk's Anton Savage show this morning, Kelly said that given the 'goalposts have changed', he will 'reconsider' whether to campaign for the nomination. Advertisement He said he believes discussions about who the next Fine Gael nominee will be haven't taken off yet because it is 'unfair on Mairead, having had such a trauma all of a sudden and having to withdraw'. He said there will be time next week to 'reflect properly on that and take action'. Meanwhile, Catherine Connolly, the only formally confirmed candidate, has clarified some of her views on international issues, criticising both Nato countries for 'warmongering' and Russia for its 'horrific assault' on Ukraine. Catherine Connolly launched her campaign last month. Sasko Lazarov / © Sasko Lazarov / © / © Speaking to the Irish Times , she said that Ireland should 'resist' the European Union becoming 'increasingly militarised', adding that the EU has 'lost its moral compass'. The article referenced a Dáil session in February in which Connolly indicated, in the context of whether to keep or remove the triple lock, that Ireland 'cannot trust' countries like the US, UK and France in terms of their foreign policy positions. In her new remarks, Connolly reaffirmed her position that 'the US, England and France are deeply entrenched in an arms industry which causes bloodshed across the world' and said that 'as a staunch advocate for neutrality, this behaviour must be condemned'. Related Reads Frances Fitzgerald not entering Áras race for Fine Gael as Sean Kelly mulls bid Connolly also criticised Russia, saying that it is 'conducting an illegal invasion of Ukraine' and 'must immediately end its horrific assault'. Asked if she would meet with US President Donald Trump if she was elected, she said she 'would meet all heads of state as mandated by the Constitution and the office of President'. Gareth Sheridan, a millionaire pharma boss who launched a campaign this week but has not formally secured a nomination to date, took a swipe at Connolly this afternoon in response, accusing her of engaging 'in a form of aggressive nationalism' and 'attacking our long-established allies'. He called her comments about the US, UK and France an 'ill-judged over-step', though acknowledged that we do 'need the EU, the US and the UK to do more' to stop the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 'The Ireland that I would like to represent is the one which forged strong international ties on the world stage,' he said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
