Elaine Loughlin: I'm a celebrity, get me into European politics

Celebrity candidates may add a splash of colour and familiarity to elections, but should we really be sending people with no experience of politics to debate policy and draft legislation that impacts all of Europe?

Former jockey Nina Carberry is standing for election as a Fine Gael MEP. Picture: Dan Linehan

A champion jockey, a controversial radio host, a Dragons’ Den star, a former GAA president, a retired RTÉ broadcaster, and a Rose of Tralee.

Voters could be forgiven for thinking they are casting ballots for Dancing with the Stars, given the number of ‘celebrity candidates’ contesting the upcoming European elections.