Seán Kelly MEP and John Mullins selected to represent Fine Gael in Ireland South for European elections

Seán Kelly MEP and John Mullins have been selected by Fine Gael members from Ireland South to represent the party at June’s European Elections.

The selection convention took place at Hotel Minella in Clonmel today (Sunday).

Seán Kelly MEP said:

“The forthcoming European election is set to be critically important for Fine Gael, for Ireland, and for Europe as a whole. It is vital that we continue to position ourselves at the forefront of EU decision-making and ensure the EU delivers for Irish citizens.

“I take the opportunity to congratulate my colleague Deirdre Clune on her fantastic work for the people of Ireland South over the past ten years. Deirdre will be a huge loss to Fine Gael and to the European Parliament more broadly. I also give a warm welcome to John Mullins – an excellent candidate with tremendous experience and I look forward to working with him to deliver the best possible result for Fine Gael in June.”

John Mullins said:

“I am honoured to be selected by the Fine Gael membership of Ireland South to run as a candidate for the European Elections in June. I am intent on giving this campaign my full energy and I am also intent on ensuring that we hold on to our two seats in Europe.

“I hope that the electorate see that I am bringing different experience on a national and international basis. My focus will be on creating a new rural contract, putting renewable energy as one of Ireland’s largest exports and ensuring that Ireland has a new strong experienced negotiator for our interests.

Fine Gael’s European Director of Elections Minister Simon Coveney, who chaired the convention, said:

“The last five years have shown how vital Fine Gael’s MEPs have been on the European stage, protecting our national interest through Brexit and Covid, while also standing up for the right thing on the global stage, such as our position on Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“I also wish to pay tribute to outgoing MEP Deidre Clune for representing the people of Ireland South so competently over the past 10 years. She has always been a dedicated public representative and a valued colleague and I wish her well in her new chapter.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Seán and John have emerged as our candidates today and have no doubt they will make a very positive impact together. It’s vital now that they get on with the business of winning two seats for Fine Gael in Ireland South this June.”