Mairead McGuinness
Mairead McGuinness is a prominent Irish politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2004 to 2020 before becoming Ireland's European Commissioner, a role she held until 2022. Nominated by Fine Gael, she is now a candidate for the vice-presidency of the European People's Party (EPP), emphasizing her extensive experience in EU institutions and her commitment to representing Ireland's interests amid global uncertainties.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Mairead McGuinness withdrew from last year’s presidential election campaign due to a severe bout of post-viral fatigue syndrome.
Mairead McGuinness on health issues that prompted presidential election withdrawal – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-02-07Carberry remembers getting a funny look from Mairead McGuinness, Ireland’s EU commissioner at the time.
‘The first six months was very difficult’ while ‘living out of a suitcase’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-26
Mairead McGuinness was seen as a front-runner for the presidency but pulled out of the race on health grounds.
A messy Dáil start, more housing woes and, finally, a new president – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-12-20
Mairead McGuinness was the candidate for the presidential nomination that Seán Kelly did not contest against.
No heave against Micheál Martin, but many in Fianna Fáil mute on public support – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-28
Mairead McGuinness dropped out for health reasons.
Catherine Connolly’s election as president has added a new dynamic to Irish politics | Justine McCarthy
United Kingdom· 2025-10-27
Fine Gael’s hot favourite Mairead McGuinness withdrew due to significant health concerns.
Catherine Connolly will be president of Blueshirt barristers, Fianna Fáil farmers, lefties and pro-lifers – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-26
Mairead McGuinness was considered less favorable compared to Heather Humphreys.
The winners and losers of the presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-25
Fine Gael’s original candidate, Mairead McGuinness, dropped out, citing health problems.
Leftwinger Catherine Connolly wins Ireland presidential election by landslide | IrelandUnited Kingdom· 2025-10-25
Mairead McGuinness was considered a strong candidate for the presidency but had to withdraw due to illness.
Catherine Connolly deserves her landslide victory, but it’s a hollow crown – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-25Fine Gael’s hot favourite Mairead McGuinness withdrew due to significant health concerns.
Winner of election will be president of Blueshirt barristers, Fianna Fáil farmers, lefties and pro-lifers – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-25Mairead McGuinness was the initial candidate for Fine Gael who withdrew from the race for medical reasons.
Counting due to get under way on SaturdayUnited Kingdom· 2025-10-25The late withdrawal of Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness for health reasons was a genuine blow.
an uninspiring choice – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-23Originally, Mairead McGuinness was the Fine Gael choice for the presidential race.
the candidates, how to vote, the powers of the president, and when will we know the result? – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-21
Mairéad McGuinness is a friend of Heather Humphreys and was mentioned in the context of the Fine Gael nomination.
‘I was surprised to be asked about something my husband was doing before I met him’ – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-18
Originally, Mairead McGuinness was the Fine Gael choice for the presidential race.
A beginner’s guide to the Irish presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-05Mairéad McGuinness stepped down for health reasons and was replaced by Heather Humphreys.
The campaign teams behind the Irish presidential election candidates – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-26
Mairead McGuinness was considered an early front-runner in the presidential race.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set to lock horns in presidential poll – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-14
The party had previously selected former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness to be its candidate, but she withdrew last month for health reasons.
Seán Kelly withdraws from race for Fine Gael’s presidential nomination, clearing path for Heather Humphreys – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-09-01Mairead McGuinness has transitioned smoothly within Fine Gael's leadership.
There are landmines on the path to the presidency for every party – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-30
Mairead McGuinness dropped out of the presidential race.
How Michael Healy-Rae led the push for a Heather Humphreys presidential run – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-23
Mairead McGuinness's withdrawal due to illness pushed Humphreys into the presidential race.
Strong argument for Micheál Martin to back Heather Humphreys for presidency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-23
Mairead McGuinness’s shock withdrawal from the presidential election has prompted Fine Gael to seek a replacement.
contortions and expediency – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-20
Mairéad McGuinness is a Fine Gael politician mentioned as a candidate who could change the party's appeal.
Strengths and weaknesses of rival Fine Gael presidential candidates – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-20
Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the presidential race on health grounds.
Fierce competition but Virginia Show attendees forgive absence of regular Heather Humphreys – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-20
Mairead McGuinness was a candidate for the presidency before dropping out, allowing Heather Humphreys to gain support.
In Heather Humphreys, Fine Gael faithful think they’ve found their first president – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-20
Mairead McGuinness had dropped out of the presidential race last week.
Áras race picks up speed as Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly join Fine Gael field – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-19
Mairead McGuinness made the shock announcement last week that she was leaving the campaign on health grounds.
Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly to seek Fine Gael nomination to run in presidential election – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-19Mairead McGuinness announced her withdrawal from the race for health reasons.
Heather Humphreys and Seán Kelly presidential face-off expected as Fine Gael reopens nominations – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-19Mairead McGuinness's record is being respected by Fine Gael.
Fine Gael is electrified at prospect of Heather Humphreys running for president – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-18
Mairead McGuinness announced she was stepping down as the Fine Gael candidate on health grounds.
Tony Holohan drops presidential bid to avoid ‘abuse’ of family – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-08-18