Mairead McGuinness pulls out of presidential race over health concerns

Former EU Commissioner and MEP Mairead McGuinness has announced that she is dropping out of the presidential election race due to health concerns.

In a statement released this afternoon, McGuinness said she had to make "the very difficult decision" to withdraw from the presidential election as the Fine Gael nominee.

"This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week," McGuinness 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."

McGuinness explained that the decision was taken on medical advice and said "it is the right decision" for her and her 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," McGuinness said.

McGuinness said she had spoken to Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to express her thanks for his understanding.

In a post on X following the announcement, Harris wrote that McGuinness "has made an incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe."

"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....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."

Harris added that Fine Gael will deliberate in their next steps in the coming days, but that the focus today is on McGuinness' health, writing, "Today I want to pay tribute to Mairead. I want to thank her for all she has done."

McGuinness was one of just two official candidates in the race alongside Independent Catherine Connolly. Last month, McGuinness was leading opinion polls by five percentage points over Connolly.

On Sunday, Nutriband CEO Gareth Sheridan announced his presidential bid, aiming to become the youngest ever Irish president.

In an interview featured in the latest issue of Hot Press, Sheridan spoke about his candidacy, expressing admiration for current President Michael D. Higgins while stressing the need for a new, forward-looking leader.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are still deliberating on whether or not they will run candidates in the election.