Former EU Commissioner and Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has revealed she was “very unwell” in her first interview since withdrawing from last year’s presidential election. Ms McGuinness was Fine Gael’s nominee to contest the election, but she announced her withdrawal from the race in August on health grounds. Speaking to Brendan O’Connor on RTÉ Radio 1, Ms McGuinness said she was diagnosed with a severe case of post-viral syndrome. So, it was quite definitive for me that I had to do this.”People respected her privacy while she recovered, but Ms McGuinness said some people began to fear the worst. Ms McGuinness also expressed disappointment over the sectarian abuse suffered by Ms Humphreys, a Presbyterian, during the race.

Source: Irish Independent February 07, 2026 18:43 UTC