McGuinness withdraws from president race on health grounds

Fine Gael’s candidate for the Áras, former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness, has withdrawn from the race on health grounds.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the former MEP announced she would no longer be standing for Fine Gael.

“This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week,” she said.

“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.”

She said that her focus was on her “health and family” and asked for privacy.

McGuinness was widely agreed upon to be Fine Gael’s candidate for the Áras from the summer of 2024 onwards, despite rumours that MEP Seán Kelly fancied a tilt at the Áras, and now speculation will begin anew as to who Fine Gael will select.

The race was set to be a showdown between McGuinness and left-wing candidate Catherine Connolly, with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin still waiting to pick their candidates, but McGuinness’ withdrawal has now blown the race wide open.

Fine Gael were due to formally nominate McGuinness at a convention in September; that same convention will now likely be replaced with Fine Gael picking a new candidate.