Irish Examiner view: Tight race for seats in the European elections

Regina Doherty was chosen as Fine Gael's candidate for the Dublin constituency in the European Parliament election. As there will now be 14 seats available, the competition is going to be very hot for both existing MEPs and those wishing to join them.

As Ursula von der Leyen announced her bid to seek a second term as president of the European Commission, closer to home there have been several shifting tectonic political plates as hopeful candidates for the European Parliament ready themselves for battle.

With several MEPs having announced they will retire before June’s European elections, numerous grandees — and not-so-grandees, it has to be admitted — are girding their loins ahead of what promises to be numerous battles royale for seats in Strasbourg. Of the 13 sitting Irish MEPs, 10 have either confirmed or strongly hinted they will be running again, but much of the interest will focus on sitting TDs who have announced their intention to stand for election to Europe rather than Leinster House.