McGuinness and Walsh will contest Midlands North-West for Fine Gael

Fine Gael has selected two candidates – Mairead McGuinness and Maria Walsh - for the European Elections in the Midlands North-West constituency.

Mairead McGuinness, First Vice President of the European Parliament and sitting MEP, and Maria Walsh, businesswoman and former Rose of Tralee, were selected by Fine Gael members at the constituency selection convention in Mullingar tonight.

Mrs McGuinness said, “It’s a great honour to have the trust and confidence of party members. I am looking forward to working hard with Maria to achieve two seats for Fine Gael in this constituency.”

She said while on the immediate horizon every effort is being made to avoid a no deal Brexit, the make-up of the next European Parliament is going to be critical.

"At a time when global institutions are under threat, it is vital that we work in a coherent and constructive way to strengthen the EU. As a country we must strive with our EU partners to address the many concerns that citizens have and convince them that cooperation is the best way to make progress. We need to build a strong EU fit for the future that meets the concerns of citizens and is accessible, transparent and open,” she said.

Speaking after her nomination, Maria Walsh said, “I firmly believe I am one of the many young people who represent the face of the New Ireland, one which is diverse and tolerant but continues to embrace the traditional values of love of family and community.

“Visiting schools and communities across the country allows me the opportunity to engage in conversations about what the new Ireland means for our people. Over 25years from Boston to Shrule, my journey has been rich and varied with a common theme; a passion for helping to bring positive change into the lives of people.  This is central to my campaign and that is the very passion I want to bring to Europe,” she said.

The Midlands North West constituency is made up of Counties Cavan,  Donegal,  Galway,  Kildare,  Leitrim,  Longford,  Louth,  Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.