Fine Gael pick McGuinness for the Áras

After weeks of speculation, the presidential race has exploded into life.

Following Catherine Connolly’s endorsement by the Social Democrats and People Before Profit since last Friday, another major contender has formally thrown their name into the ring; former Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness.

McGuinness will be formally selected at a party convention in September.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, McGuinness wrote, “my sincere thanks to the party for my nomination to contest the presidential election.”

“I am conscious of the opportunity and challenge ahead, given the very important constitutional role of the President, and the esteem in which the office is held by the people.

Subject to my candidacy being ratified by the Party in early September, I very much look forward to setting out my vision for the Presidency, and I look forward to working with you all over the coming weeks and months.

The campaign, when it start,s will be full-on,” she wrote.

McGuinness served as an MEP between 2004 and 2020, before serving as Ireland’s EU Commissioner until 2024.

McGuinness has been long floated as Fine Gael’s pick for the Áras, with a mooted run by MEP Sean Kelly coming to nothing.

Sources within Fine Gael indicate the decision was made months ago, and that McGuinness enjoyed the backing of Simon Harris.

For his part, Harris wrote, “Fine Gael is pleased to confirm Mairead McGuinness has been nominated as our candidate for the presidential election and will be ratified by the party in September.

“Mairead has secured the support of the parliamentary party and the wider Fine Gael organisation. I look forward to working with her over the coming months.

“Presidential elections are always an important point for the country. I believe Mairead possesses all the attributes to bring our nation together at this important time,” he said.