Mairead McGuinness exits Irish president race over health concerns

Mairead McGuinness, pictured in Brussels in 2022, is a former EU commissioner

Former EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness has withdrawn from the Irish presidential election over health issues.

McGuinness, who was tipped as the favourite to succeed Michael D Higgins in an election later this year, had been set to contend on behalf of Fine Gael.

But in a statement released on Thursday, McGuinness said the "extremely difficult" call had be taken following a stay in hospital last week.

"My priority now is my health," she said.

"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."

McGuiness said she had spoken to Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) and Fine Gael party leader Simon Harris about withdrawing her name, and thanked him for his understanding.

"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," McGuinness said.

"I also want to thank all of those people who have done so much to support me, now and in the past."

The decision to withdraw on medical advice is the "right decision for me and my family", she added, asking for privacy.

'Awful shock'

Harris said the decision has come as an "awful shock" but it is "absolutely essential" McGuinness prioritises her health.

"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," Harris said.

"Mairead's health will now not allow this."

The tánaiste said his party's executive council will meet in the coming days to discuss the next steps for the election.

"But that's for the time ahead, not for today. Today I want to pay tribute to Mairead," he added.

Who is running for the Irish presidency?

The role of the Irish president is a mostly ceremonial one, and is elected once every seven years.

No date has yet been set for the poll, but it needs to be held before 11 November when Michael D Higgins' 14-year term in office officially ends.

In order to be considered a candidate, a person must be an Irish citizen, over 35 and be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) or four of the 31 local authorities.

Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park in Dublin is the official residence and workplace of the Irish president

So far, Independent TD Catherine Connolly has announced her bid for Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the Irish president) - with Labour formally agreeing to back her campaign.

Irish entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan announced his intention to run for the Irish presidency, and said says he has support in both Tipperary and Laois county councils to get on the ballot paper, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports.

Peter Casey, who was born in Londonderry, came second in 2018 with 23.1% of the first preference vote in 2018 and has said he is interested in running again.

MMA fighter Conor McGregor, as well as Riverdance star Michael Flatley, have both announced their intention to seek backers for their respective campaigns.

Ireland's former chief medical officer, who was a high-profle figure during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tony Holohan has also indicated he may run.

Sinn Féin met last month to discuss its plan.

Fianna Fáil says it is still considering its options. Academic Deirdre Heenan has been tipped as a potential candidate for the party.

It has not run a presidential candidate since Belfast-born Mary McAleese won the 1997 election.