Simon Harris Scrambling Fine Gael Together In the Wake Of Shock Withdrawal Of Presidential Hopeful

Ex-EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness cites health reasons as Fine Gael calls move “an awful shock”

Fine Gael will convene its executive council this weekend to consider a presidential candidate following Mairead McGuinness' decision to withdraw on health grounds.

The 66-year-old Louth woman made her surprise announcement a week after her previously undisclosed hospitalisation for an unspecified illness.

In a statement yesterday, Ms McGuinness said she is taking the decision on medical advice, and it is the "right decision" for her and her family.

"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".

While not all potential candidates have declared for an election that must be held by November, Ms. McGuinness had been rated the most likely winner in all opinion polling and political betting markets.

Her withdrawal means Fine Gael must scramble to find a new candidate. Potential replacements include MEP Seán Kelly, former Justice Minister and MEP Frances Fitzgerald, and former Business Minister Heather Humphreys.

Wicklow TD and party leader Simon Harris has convened a meeting of the party hierachy this Sunday to address what might be viewed as a highly destabling moment ahead of November's election.

The Tanaiste, Mr. Harris left everyone clear as to the ramifications of the news emerging yesterday:

“This has come as an awful shock to us all.''

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan has also responded to the news of Ms McGuinness'  withdrawal as candidate from the upcoming Presidential Election .

“First of all, I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with Mairead McGuinness and her family and I really hope that she will make a full recovery.

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mairead since entering politics and I can only wish her all the best.

Continuing, Deputy Brennan stated;

“Yesterday the news was a bolt out of the blue and send shockwaves through the party, but now its time for cool heads. 

“I understand that Simon Harris has called a meeting of the National executive for this Sunday to discuss future options and I have full confidence that he and the party executive will make the right decision for the party and the country.

“Prior to Mairead’s selection, there were a number of potentially excellent candidates discussed, such as Sean Kelly, Francis Fitzgerald and Heather Humphries, with the possibility of adding new names to the discussion, such as Simon Coveney.

“Its time now for cool heads and I have no doubt that Fine Gael will pick a strong candidate to run for the Presidency of Ireland.