Fine Gael MEP withdraws from election ticket day before selection convention

Colm Markey's decision paves the way for the party to fight for two seats in the Midlands-North West constituency

Sitting Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has announced he will not be contesting this year’s European elections. Picture: Gerard O'Loughlin

Sitting Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has announced he will not be contesting this year’s European elections, paving the way for the party to fight for two seats in the Midlands-North West constituency.

Mr Markey, who was first elected to the European Parliament in 2020 and is a former Louth councillor, will step aside, leaving current MEP Maria Walsh and former professional jockey Nina Carberry to contest the five-seater for Fine Gael.

His decision comes ahead of Sunday's selection convention for Fine Gael which will see Simon Harris’s ascent to leader of the party. He is expected to become Taoiseach following the Dáil Easter break, replacing Leo Varadkar who announced his resignation on Wednesday.

Mr Harris is facing a situation where roughly a third of his TDs have announced they will not be running for the party in the next general election. The latest announcement came on Friday from minister Josepha Madigan.

Remaining in politics

Unlike many of his TD colleagues in the party, Mr Markey said he would remain in politics and contest future elections.

“I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands-North West constituency,” he said.

“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.”

In his statement, Mr Markey hinted that he will be available to contest 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.”