Politics

Mairead McGuinness becomes third Fine Gael politician to withdraw from European elections

European Commissioner has confirmed that she will not contest the European Parliament elections next year

Mairead McGuinness, EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union. Picture: Lukasz Kobus

Mairead McGuinness, the European Commissioner, has confirmed that she will not contest the European Parliament elections next year, becoming the third long-serving Fine Gael politician to announce their withdrawal from the race.

In a statement on Monday, the Fine Gael veteran said that despite “intense speculation” about her intentions for the future, she said she will not contest for a seat, adding that her “absolute focus” is serving in her role as EU Commissioner ...