Taoiseach adds support to local MEP Mairead

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, has endorsed the candidacy of Mairead McGuinness MEP, for the position of President of the European Parliament.

Speaking at the recent Young Fine Gael National Conference, at which McGuinness was a keynote speaker, the Taoiseach said: ‘Mairead McGuinness would make an outstanding President of the European Parliament and I am delighted she is seeking the nomination of the European People’s Party for the role.

‘Mairead currently serves as a Vice President of the European Parliament having been a hardworking and committed MEP since 2004. She represents the people of the Midlands North West with distinction.’

‘As a member of two of the European Parliament’s most prominent committees: Agriculture and Rural Development; and Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, Mairead would bring valuable experience to the role of President.’

MEP McGuinness was one of the lead negotiators for the EPP group, the largest political grouping in the Parliament, on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (Pillar I) and she was voted MEP of the Year for Agriculture in 2011.

In her role as Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mairead oversees the Parliament’s Information Policy, Press and Relations with citizens, including the Parliament’s information offices across the 28 Member States.

The Taoiseach added: ‘Mairead is a professional communicator and will be able to communicate to the people of Europe what the EU is all about, something that has been lacking in the past. I wish Mairead all the best in her bid to become the President of the European Parliament and I fully endorse her candidacy.’