Mayo's Maria Walsh expected to be part of all-female Fine Gael European election ticket

Mayo-based MEP Maria Walsh is expected to be part of an all-female Fine Gael ticket in the European Elections after sitting MEP Colm Markey withdrew his candidacy.

The Fine Gael selection convention for the Midlands North West constituency takes place in Athlone on Sunday with Maria Walsh expected to be joined on the ticket by former jockey Nina Carberry. The European Parliament Elections take place on June 7

The current sitting MEP Colm Markey informed Fine Gael members this afternoon that he will not be putting his name forward for selection leaving the door open for an all-female ticket.

Louth-based Markey was co-opted as an MEP in 2020 after Mairéad McGuinness who was elected in the 2009 European Elections was appointed as a European Commissioner.

Mr Markey thanked his supporters for their support but stated the best way to win two seats for the party in the five seat constituency is to run two candidates.

“I am immensely proud of the work I have achieved in the last three years as an MEP since I took on the role after Mairéad McGuinness became an EU Commissioner. In that time, I have worked hard for all my constituents on many matters including agricultural, energy, transport, fisheries, environmental and social issues.

“I would like to thank my family, supporters, team both in Ireland and Brussels, as well as the people of Midlands North West whom I have been proud to serve,” he stated.

The inclusion of Nina Carberry into the race is expected to put pressure on Maria Walsh to retain her seat which she won for the first time in 2019.

In an address to Fine Gael supporters on social media, Ms Walsh stated that as an MEP she will continue her commitment to the 'European Union's growth, progress and prosperity'.

“I firmly believe I am a candidate best suited to address the challenges and opportunities facing our children, families and communities with a progressive vision and a dedication to serving the needs of our society. I will continue to advocate tirelessly on behalf of our interests in the European arena.

“Throughout the last five years, I have demonstrated, I hope you agree, a commitment to rural development, to people's mental health, for equality for all people, not just some. I've shown my rooted commitment to our local businesses, including our agricultural sector and the many women who are underserved and under financed.

“Our region Midlands North West is a region in transition. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we have a strong capable and pro-European leadership representing us here in the European Parliament. I am a person you can trust . I'm a person you can rely on and count on and together we can build a brighter future for our region of Midlands North West,” said the former Rose of Tralee.

Shrule native Maria Walsh is currently one of four MEPS in the Midlands-North West constituency with Colm Markey and Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Sinn Féin's Chris McManus the other sitting MEPs.

The Midlands North West constituency was allocated a fifth seat following the redrawing of the boundary and comprises of the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.

Fianna Fáil are running three candidates with Mayo-based Senator Lisa Chambers joining Brian Cowen TD and Senator Niall Blaney on the ticket while former MP, Michelle Gildernew from Co Tyrone will join Chris McManus on the Sinn Féin ticket.