‘A quiet word from my dad ensured we’d all vote FG’ – Carberry joins Walsh on ticket

Former jockey Nina Carberry is preparing for the biggest race of her life, after her nomination as one of Fine Gael’s Midlands North-West candidates in the European elections in June.

Ms Carberry told the Fine Gael selection convention in Athlone: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be here with you all today.”

She told how although her family home had always been very busy, family conversations about racing were “often interrupted by conversation about our future”.

“On voting days a quiet word from my dad [former jockey and trainer Tommy Carberry] would ensure we all voted Fine Gael,” she said. This was greeted by applause as Ms Carberry was welcomed into the party fold.

Not only had she been an incredibly successful jockey, but she had also been wearing her Fine Gael colours since childhood – and at a time when the party has suffered in opinion polls, this was music to the faithful’s ears.

“I began to consider when I was looking at my two young girls, wondering what the future has in store for them,” she said. This was when she decided to run.

Ms Carberry, who will join MEP Maria Walsh on the Fine Gael ticket, said: “I’ve always had the mantra ‘Do you want to make a difference?’. You need to put your hand up and that’s what I’m doing.”

Ms Carberry said she was invested in reforms in education, climate change and employment. All these issues would affect not only her children but everyone, she said. And there was a steeliness in Ms Carberry’s voice as she told the selection convention: “The ups and downs of politics don’t faze me.”

It seems a career as an elite sportswoman has her well-prepared her for the world of politics.

“I stepped into the unknown in 2005 when I was a 20-year-old female jockey, having my first ride at the Cheltenham Festival – Dabiroun was the horse and he won,” she said. “And I became the first woman in 18 years to win in the festival.”

The Irish Grand National-winning rider’s selection has been widely welcomed by Fine Gael members and many believe she will help the party pick up more votes.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael deputy leader Simon Coveney has confirmed he will run again as a candidate in the next general election.

Amid speculation over his political future, Mr Coveney was asked if he intended to run again. “Yes, I am,” he said.

Asked if he believed current Fine Gael ministers would stay in their posts, Mr Coveney said: “This is a decision for Simon Harris.

“He is going to have a lot on his mind over the next few weeks. He needs to be given the space to do that.

“He has a good relationship with all the ministers in this room and some of the people who would like to be ministers too. I am sure he will speak to them all and make his own decisions.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “It is the prerogative of any taoiseach of the day to decide what their cabinet is or make any changes that they want.

“I have a lot of work still to do in justice but that is very much a decision for the taoiseach.”