McGuinness pulls out of presidential race on ‘medical advice’

Mairead McGuinness has withdrawn as the Fine Gael nominee for the presidential election following medical advice, the party has announced.

In a statement issued through the party, Ms McGuinness said she made the “very difficult decision” following 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.

“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.”

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said there was a “great sense of shock” within the party following the development.

He said Ms McGuinness had made an “incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe”, and that the party believed she would make an excellent president.

However, he said her health would not allow her presidential bid to continue.

“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.”

Mr Harris said Fine Gael will further consider the election in the coming days through a meeting of its executive council.

He added: “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.”

Ms McGuinness said: “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.”

Elsewhere in the race, independent TD Catherine Connolly has secured the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and a range of other independents.

Ms Connolly said Ms McGuinness’ withdrawal “has come as a shock to all of us”.

In a statement, she added: “Without a doubt, this decision could not have been an easy one for her to make.

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

Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein have yet to decide if they will field a candidate.

Fianna Fail Minister Jim O’Callaghan offered reaction to Ms McGuinness’ decision to RTE News: “I wish her well in the future. It’s a campaign that’s getting exciting – as one would expect as we head towards September.”

Meanwhile, Nutriband entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan is among hopefuls seeking a nomination.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the term of current president Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older.

They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities.

Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves.