EX-ROSE TO CONTEST EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
FG selects gay rights activist Maria and veteran politician
FORMER Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh was selected by Fine Gael last night to contest the European elections in May.
She is joined by experienced politician Mairead Mcguinness with Leo Varadkar describing them as “articulate and respected” candidates.
Meanwhile, after a turbulent week, in which Health Minister Simon Harris survived a no-confidence vote, the Taoiseach claimed “there is no credible alternative to Fine Gael”.
He added: “Mairead has represented this constituency and our country with distinction over the past 15 years.
“As the first Vice President of the European Parliament she has played a vital role on a range of issues, most notably agriculture and rural affairs, the environment, public health, food safety, and security.
“During the negotiations on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy she was the lead negotiator for the EPP Group, the largest political grouping of which Fine Gael is a founding member and she made sure our farming interests were protected.”
Ms Walsh said she was thankful to Minister John Ring for proposing her and Minister Joe Mchugh who seconded the nomination.
In her acceptance speech, the Co Mayo woman said: “It is truly a great honour for me to be nominated as a Fine Gael candidate for the Midlands North-west constituency.
“I believe we have a lot to be thankful for being part of the European Union. We must all remember rural Ireland is benefiting in many ways from funding coming direct from Europe.
“I am really looking forward to connecting with you and the people of this constituency as we work towards providing a new, young, fresh voice for Europe.”
Mr Varadkar said the 31-year-old LGBT rights advocate, who campaigned for a Yes vote during the Marriage Equality referendum, has all the credentials to be a successful MEP.
He added: “If you want to know what kind of MEP Maria Walsh will be, just take a look at the issues that have been close to her heart over the past number of years.”