Colm Markey to fill McGuinness' empty European Parliament seat 

Colm Markey 48 year old was first elected to the council in 2009. Picture: Denis Minihane

Fine Gael Councillor Colm Markey is to replace Mairead McGuinness as MEP for the Midlands -North West constituency.

The Louth County Councillor insists he will work hard to serve the interests of the Irish people in the European Parliament.

Congratulations to @MaireadMcGMEP on her elevation to commissioner. Look forward to working with her and my future colleagues in the European Parliament.

— Colm Markey (@ColmMarkey) September 8, 2020

The 48 year old was first elected to the council in 2009 and is also a former President of Macra na Ferime.

The position of MEP comes with its challenges with CAP Reform and Brexit “coming down the tracks” he told RTÉ radio’s News at One.

The big issue was “getting up to speed”, he added.

Mr Markey said he had known, and campaigned for, Ms McGuinness for over two decades and was regularly in touch with her. They had not spoken yet today, but he expected they would “touch base” before the end of the day.

“I think she is an excellent candidate, Simon Coveney was too, but he has an enormous job to do here.

“Her knowledge in Europe is exceptional, I’m sure she will do a wonderful job.”