Creighton could end political exile as EU candidate

FORMER Fine Gael minister Lucinda Creighton is being tipped for a return to politics to replace Brian Hayes in the EU parliament.

Ms Creighton quit Fine Gael over abortion legislation, before setting up her own party and ultimately losing her seat. However, it was suggested in political circles she could make a return to the party and run in the European elections next summer.

Ms Creighton has a longrunning friendship with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald was also suggested as a possible Dublin candidate to run in EU elections. Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmond, who is on Mr Hayes’s replacement list for the EU parliament, was also touted as a possible successor.