Mary Mitchell O'Connor giving 'serious thought' to running in European election

Asked on RTE Radio's Drivetime programme on Friday evening if she has any interest in heading to Brussels, Ms Mitchell O'Connor said "I have heard my name mentioned and I am giving it serious thought".

Minister of state for higher education Mary Mitchell O'Connor has thrown her hat into the MEP elections ring, saying she is giving "serious thought" to running in May's European elections.

Fine Gael TD Ms Mitchell O'Connor joined former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and senator Catherine Noone in hinting at a potential interest in running in recent weeks with just four months to go before the vote.