Mairead McGuinness withdraws from presidential race

The former European Commissioner said in a statement that her decision was "not taken lightly and follows a stay in hospital".

Fine Gael's presidential candidate, Mairead McGuinness, has shocked the party by withdrawing from the race.

Ms McGuinness had been the only nominee for Fine Gael and was considered a favourite to win the election.

However, in a statement this afternoon, she said that she is withdrawing from the race following a stay in hospital.

She said: "I have made the very difficult decision to withdraw my name as the Fine Gael nominee for the Presidential election. This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week.

"My priority now is my health. Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all. I am taking this decision on medical advice, and while it is extremely difficult, it is the right decision for me and my family.

"I appreciate that this will come as a shock and disappointment to party members and colleagues in Fine Gael, but our political family is strong.

"I have spoken with the Tánaiste and Party leader, Simon Harris, and thank him for his support and understanding.

"I also want to thank all of those people who have done so much to support me, now and in the past.

"My focus now is my health and my family, and I ask for privacy in the time ahead."

In a statement, Mr Harris said that Ms McGuinness "has made an incredible contribution to public life in Ireland and in Europe".

"It was our clear view in Fine Gael and the view of many people across Ireland that Mairead would make an excellent President of Ireland.

"Mairead’s health will not now allow this. This has come as an awful shock to us all. Mairead is a valued member of our Fine Gael family. It is absolutely essential that she now prioritises her health, and I know I speak for everyone when I wish her all the very best on that journey."

Mr Harris said that his party will consider its next steps "in the coming days".

"Our Executive Council will convene to do this.

"But that’s for the time ahead, not for today. Today I want to pay tribute to Mairead. I want to thank her for all she has done. I want to wish her, Tom and their family all the best at this time, and she knows we are all sending her our very best."