MAIREAD OUT OF RACE FOR ARAS

McGuinness cites health for shock withdrawal

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

FINE Gael's Mairead McGuinness has shockingly withdrawn from the presidential election race on health grounds.

Before withdrawing, the former EU Commissioner and Independent Catherine Connolly were the only confirmed candidates.

Leader of Fine Gael and Tanaiste Simon Harris said the news has come “as an awful shock” to the party.

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.