Former RTÉ presenter Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has been announced as a Fianna Fáil candidate for the European Parliament Ireland South Constituency.
She will join sitting MEP Billy Kelleher on the party's ticket for the European elections.
Ms Ní Mhurchú started her career as a primary school teacher in her native Carlow and currently works as a barrister. She has previously worked as a broadcaster and journalist for RTÉ, Raidió na Gaeltachta, the Sunday Independent and the Sunday Tribune, and co-hosted the 'Riverdance' Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin in 1994.
Ms Ní Mhurchú said “It is a great honour to be selected to represent Fianna Fáil in Ireland South in the upcoming European Elections. I have reached a stage in my professional life where I believe my extensive experience, broad skillset and personal qualities would be an asset to the European Parliament. I have a proven track record in education, media & communications and law and am deeply committed to the Irish Language, culture and arts."
She added: “My priorities for the people of Ireland South is to be a strong voice for the region in Europe, to focus on increased regional development, along with fighting for a just transition for Ireland, as we strive to reach our carbon targets in the years ahead. I also have a particular interest in both Family Law and internet safety for all, but especially for our young people. I will work hard to promote Ireland and the South in the EU and ensure policies favourable to Ireland and our citizens are promoted and achieved."
Fianna Fáil’s director of elections, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said: "She is an excellent addition to the Ireland South ticket. Cynthia is a very accomplished candidate, who brings a wealth of experience to the campaign. She has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to public service and community throughout her career and would make a great MEP for the region. In Cynthia, we have another strong Fianna Fáil European candidate, along with MEP Billy Kelleher, who will work tirelessly for the people of Ireland South.”
