Midlands-North West MEP Colm Markey has announced that he is withdrawing from the upcoming European elections.
The Fine Gael MEP took up the position after Mairead McGuinness was made an EU Commissioner in 2020.
It’s been rumoured that the former jockey Nina Carberry will be seeking to be added to the Fine Gael ballot in the Midlands North-West constituency at the party’s selection convention – with Markey’s withdrawal potentially giving her a clear run to join Maria Walsh as the party’s candidates.
In a statement, Colm Markey said that “I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands North-west constituency. I would like to thank all the members for all their generous and valued support. However, I believe the most viable path to winning two seats for Fine Gael in the election in June is with two candidates, and I wish the remaining candidates all the best during their campaigns.”
“I am immensely proud of the work I have achieved in the last three years as an MEP since I took on the role after Mairead McGuinness became an EU Commissioner. In that time, I have worked hard for all my constituents on many matters including agricultural, energy, transport, fisheries, environmental and social issues.”
“I would like to thank my family, supporters, team both in Ireland and Brussels, as well as the people of Midlands North-West whom I have been proud to serve.”
“I also wish to thank Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and my fellow MEPs for their help and support and I want to wish our new leader Simon Harris every success in his new role.”
“I will continue to remain in politics and plan to contest in future elections. My focus will return to my home county of Louth and in particular Drogheda which has faced particular challenges in recent months and years, I want to play a central role in tackling these issues and working closely with Fergus O’Dowd TD to carry on work he has completed over the last 22 years.”
