Presidential Election – Fine Gael Presidential Candidate Nominations Close

Nominations have now closed for the Fine Gael candidacy for the upcoming Presidential election.

To be nominated as a candidate, a candidate required the nomination of at least 20 members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, 25 Councillors and 5 members of the Fine Gael Executive Council.

One candidate has been duly nominated – Mairead McGuinness.

Ms. McGuinness’s name will go forward to for ratification at a Party event in September. This will be the start of the Fine Gael Presidential Election campaign.

Tánaiste and Fine Gael President Simon Harris said: “The Fine Gael party is pleased to confirm Mairead McGuinness has been nominated as our candidate for the Presidential election and will be ratified by the party in September.

“Mairead has secured the support of the parliamentary party and the wider Fine Gael organisation. I look forward to working with her over the coming months.

“Presidential elections are always an important point for the country. I believe Mairead possess all the attributes to bring our nation together at this important time.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Please see below a letter which Mairead McGuinness emailed to Fine Gael members this evening.

Dear Colleagues,

 My sincere thanks to the Party for my nomination to contest the Presidential Election.

 I am conscious of the opportunity and challenge ahead, given the very important constitutional role of the President, and the esteem in which the office is held by the people.

 Subject to my candidacy being ratified by the Party in early September, I very much look forward to setting out my vision for the Presidency.

 And I look forward to working with you all over the coming weeks and months.

 The campaign when it starts will be full-on.

 I do hope that you manage to get to enjoy some down time with family and friends before September.

 Kind regards,

Mairead McGuinness