Fine Gael has nominated former European Commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, to run for President of Ireland.
“Mairead has all the attributes to bring our nation together at this important time”, said Fine Gael’s leader, Simon Harris.
Following a media career, Mairead McGuinness became a member of the European Parliament in 2004.
Well respected in EU circles, she was elected Vice President in 2017.
But her real breakthrough came in 2020. Ireland’s European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, was forced to resign by Ursula von der Leyen for attending a golfing dinner in the middle of the covid crisis.
Mairead McGuinness took his place in the European Commission.
But she did not inherit his brief, the powerful position as trade commissioner.
Instead von der Leyen gave McGuinness a new title as Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union.
Her term in office ended last November and she returned to Ireland full time.
Her bid for the Irish presidency has long been expected.
In a letter to party members, McGuinness wrote:
“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.”
A number of independent candidates have already put their name forward. McGuinness is the first candidate backed by a major political party.
Michael D. Higgins’ term as president expires in the Autumn. The exact date for the election – which must be held before 11 November – has not yet been confirmed.