Maria Walsh

Businesswoman and former Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh has confirmed she is seeking the Fine Gael nomination to contest the European elections in the Midlands/North-West Constituency.

Maria (31), who was born in Boston and raised along the Mayo-Galway border, said she will be contesting at the Fine Gael European selection convention on February 22nd.

There are four seats on offer in the constituency which covers Donegal.

Speaking on why she wants to be an MEP, Maria Walsh said:

“Five years ago I was chosen as the 2014 Rose of Tralee, an honour which brought me all around this great country, but more importantly, it gave me a platform to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

“I have been to every county in Midlands/North-West, meeting community groups and farming organisations, promoting good mental health for our young people as an ambassador for Jigsaw, discussing patriotism and history with schoolkids and parents as an Ambassador for the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation, playing Gaelic football, and on manoeuvres with the Irish reserves.

“Everywhere I go, I meet people of all ages with the same hopes and concerns. The same constant questions crop up. ‘Will there be enough opportunities for me to raise my family in rural Ireland and for my children to stay here after that? How will the next CAP reform affect my family farm? How will Brexit affect my business?’

“I want to be a strong and effective voice for all with these concerns. I want to go to the European Parliament and help find the best answers and implement the solutions to those difficult questions.”

The Fine Gael European election convention for the Midlands/North West constituency will be held on Friday February 22 at Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar.