Mitchell O’Connor may be Europe-bound

Minister not ruling out a tilt at MEP elections

Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister of State for Higher Education, may be set to run for a seat in the European parliament Picture: Collins

Fine Gael minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor has emerged as a contender for the European Parliament seat being vacated by Brian Hayes. The higher education minister, who sits at cabinet, has refused to rule out the possibility of running in next May’s European elections in the Dublin constituency where Hayes currently holds a Fine Gael seat.

Mitchell O’Connor’s name has been floated within Fine Gael in recent weeks. Party figures believe it would make ...