Person

Mairead McGuinness

Former European Commissioner and Fine Gael's original presidential candidate, Fine Gael

2 articles · 6 January 2025 to 19 August 2025

What we have reported

Withdrew from the race last week due to health issues, prompting the party to reopen nominations.
The previous Irish commissioner led the financial services portfolio with an Irish-heavy team, a position Dublin failed to replicate in the new term.

Coverage

2 of 2 in the archive

Politics

Fine Gael reopens presidential nominations as Humphreys and Kelly enter race

Former minister Heather Humphreys and MEP Seán Kelly seek party nomination after Mairead McGuinness withdrew on health grounds; election must occur before Michael D Higgins leaves office in November.

Sofia Marchetti19 August 20257 min read

Politics

Ireland loses ground in EU top jobs as influence wanes

Ireland secured only six senior posts in the new European Commission, missing out on financial services, budget and economy portfolios it once dominated.

Clara Devereux6 January 20256 min read

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