Markey announces withdrawal from FG Euro convention

MEP stepping down after three years

Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands-North West, Colm Markey, has withdrawn his name from this weekend's Fine Gael European selection convention for the constituency.

His action comes a week after television personality and former Ratoath jockey, Nina Carberry, was declared a runner in the Euro election stakes by Fine Gael, and appeared prominently at Simon Harris's visit to east Meath yesterday (Friday) morning.

The Louth man replaced Mairead McGuinness when she became EU Commissioner after Phil Hogan's resignation over 'Golfgate'.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Mr Markey said: “I have informed Fine Gael that I will be withdrawing my name from the MEP selection convention for Midlands North-west constituency. 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.

“I am immensely proud of the work I have achieved in the last three years as an MEP since I took on the role after Mairead McGuinness became an EU Commissioner. In that time, I have worked hard for all my constituents on many matters including agricultural, energy, transport, fisheries, environmental and social issues.

“I would like to thank my family, supporters, team both in Ireland and Brussels, as well as the people of Midlands North-West whom I have been proud to serve.

“I also wish to thank Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and my fellow MEPs for their help and support and I want to wish our new leader Simon Harris every success in his new role.

“I will continue to remain in politics and plan to contest in 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.”

The other sitting parliamentarian is Maria Walsh, who was prominent in her support of new party leader Simon Harris in this week of turmoil in Fine Gael which saw the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, announce his shock resignation as party leader on Wednesday.

Fergus O'Dowd is retiring as a TD in Louth, which may leave an opening for Mr Markey in the next general election.