Mairead McGuinness withdraws from Presidential election race

Fine Gael Presidential election candidate, Mairead McGuinness, has sent an email to party members today saying she is withdrawing from the race on medical advice.

The former EU Commissioner said she had made "the very difficult decision to withdraw my name" as the Fine Gael nominee.

In a statement the Ardee native, Drumconrath resident said: "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."

Reacting, Meath East Fine Gael TD, Helen McEntee, said: "I am sorry that Mairead McGuinness has had to withdraw as Fine Gael’s candidate for President of Ireland, but it is absolutely essential that she puts her health first.

"Mairead has given huge service to our country and to her constituents. As an MEP and as a European Commissioner she has done our country proud, and it is my belief that she would have made an excellent President," the Minister for Education added.

"I wish Mairead, Tom, James, Orlaith, Áine, Cathal and their family well over the coming weeks and months."