48 hours after hosting Longford event MEP withdraws from Fine Gael selection convention

Less than 48 hours after hosting an Active Ageing Connected Communities event in the Longford Arms Hotel on Thursday, MEP Colm Markey announced his withdrawal from today's Fine Gael selection convention in Athlone for the Midlands North-West constituency. 

His decision paves the way for outgoing FG MEP Maria Walsh and former Cheltenham winning jockey and RTE’s Dancing With The Stars winner Nina Carberry to be selected as Fine Gael's candidates for the June 7 election in the Midlands North-West constituency. 

Simon Harris is also expected to be unveiled as Fine Gael's new leader in Athlone today. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is on course to become Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach following the shock resignation of Leo Varadkar on Wednesday. 

Also read: Simon Harris set to become Fine Gael leader as nominations close

In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, Mr Markey revealed, "I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands North-west 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." 

Mr Markey concluded, “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.”