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.