Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness pulls out of presidential race

Ellen O'Donoghue

Fine Gael's nominee for the presidential election, Mairead McGuinness, has pulled out of the presidential race.

In a statement, she described the decision as "very difficult" and that it was taken on medical advice.

The former EU Commissioner has led every opinion poll so far.

She added that her decision to pull out was not taken lightly, and was made following 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," Ms McGuinness said.

"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."

She said she has spoken to Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, and thanked him for "his support and understanding".

"My focus now is my health and my family, and I ask for privacy in the time ahead," Ms McGuinness's statement finished.

In a statement released following Ms McGuinness's announcement, Mr Haris said that she "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," the Tánaiste's statement said, before adding that her "health will now 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."

In the coming days Fine Gael is to "consider further" the presidential election, convening their Executive Council to do so, Mr Harris said.

"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."

Mr Harris had previously said that Ms McGuinness, who was a former TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, “possesses all the attributes to bring our nation together”.

Ms McGuinness was the first official nominee in the presidential race to replace Michael D Higgins this autumn, after he served the maximum, two seven-year terms as President of Ireland.

Independent Galway TD Catherine Connolly, who is also running in the presidential election as an independent candidate, said that Ms McGuinness's decision to withdraw "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," Ms Connolly said.

“I would like to extend my best wishes to Mairead and her family at this time, and all the best for the future.”