Mairead McGuinness confirmed on Thursday evening, August 14, that she has withdrawn from this year's Irish Presidential election.
"I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name as the Fine Gael nominee for the Presidential election," McGuinness said in a surprise statement on Thursday.
"This decision is not lightly taken and follows 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.
"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.
"I have spoken with the Tánaiste and Party leader, Simon Harris, and thank him for his support and understanding.
"I also want to thank all of those people who have done so much to support me, now and in the past.
"My focus now is my health and my family, and I ask for privacy in the time ahead."
Mairead McGuinness. (RollingNews.ie)
Co Louth native McGuinness, former Vice President of European Parliament and former EU Commissioner, was nominated as Fine Gael candidate when her name was the only one put forward for the party last month. Her candidacy was set to be ratified at a Fine Gael party event in September.
McGuinness was the first confirmed contender for this year's election, followed soon after by Independent TD Catherine Connolly.
In July, McGuinness was the leading candidate for this year's election in an Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll. However, she came third to "not sure" and "none of the names so far appeal to me."
"Awful shock"
Tánaiste Simon Harris, the head of Fine Gael, responded to McGuinness' withdrawal on Thrusday, saying on social media: "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.
"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, like others, will consider further the Presidential election. Our Executive Council will convene to do this.
"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."
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