Carberry and Walsh are FG’s candidates for Midlands-North West Euro election
FORMER jockey, Nina Carberry and sitting MEP Maria Walsh will be canvassing for Sligo votes as Fine Gael selected the duo to be their candidates for June’s European Elections.
The pair will contest the Midlands-North West seat following a party convention at Westmeath last weekend.
Carberry, who once won the Irish Grand National as well as a number of wins at Cheltenham, replaces the departing Colm Markey MEP who will step down from his seat in June.
Walsh meanwhile insists she will aim to bring about the EU’s first ever Mental Health Action Plan if re-elected.
She said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen once again as a Fine Gael candidate for the MidlandsNorth West in the upcoming European elections.
“I am proud to stand as a progressive candidate, with a proven track record over the past five years. I hope to continue my work in progressing healthcare, rural development, the economy and equality into a second term in Brussels.
“In particular, I hope to deliver the first ever EU Mental Health Action Plan if re-elected – a much needed strategy given that death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for our young people in the EU.
“Now more than ever, we need competent and transparent politicians representing our nation on the European stage. I look forward to meeting constituents across all 15 counties between now and the election, and asking for their vote to allow me to continue my work as a strong and impactful voice for them at the EU decision-making table.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome to my running mate, Nina Carberry – a fantastic candidate whom I look forward to working with over the coming months to secure two seats for Fine Gael in the Midlands-North West.”
Carberry added: “I want to thank the Fine Gael members of the Midlands-North West constituency for placing their faith in me and selecting me as their candidate.
“Having spent two decades travelling the country, I understand the challenges faced by communities spanning rural, urban and commuter belt areas. I want to support the work of farmers and small business owners and to open doors for more educational opportunities for our young people.
“I believe people who feel they can make a difference need to put their hand up to make things happen. My life and career have taught me a lot about reputation, loyalty, enterprise and reward and now is the time for me to give something back.
“I am excited for the challenge of this campaign and am confident in my ability to deliver for Fine Gael and for Midland- North West.”
Fine Gael’s European Director of Elections Minister Simon Coveney, who chaired the convention, said: “Over the last five years, Maria Walsh has shown herself to be a dedicated and skilled representative of the people of Midlands North West in the European Parliament. I’m particularly proud of the work she did protecting Ireland during Brexit and the Covid pandemic.
“Politics needs new faces and new voices and I’m delighted Nina Carberry is entering the fray.
“Nina is a champion in sport but she’s also at the heart of her community and family and ready to work for them in Brussels. I’ve gotten to know Nina in recent weeks and I’m excited that such a dynamic and intelligent person is entering politics for Fine Gael.”
Meanwhile, departing MEP Markey stated that he will be seeking to help the party in his home county in Louth.
He said: “I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands Northwest 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.”