Over 70 candidates contesting European elections as nominations close ahead of next month’s vote

Posted by Admin May 1, 2024 Entertainment

Housing and immigration likely to be key issues for voters

Anna Hackett and Katie Smith of the European Parliament’s Liaison Office launch the ‘Use Your Vote’ campaign to mobilise voter turnout. Photo: Marc O’Sullivan

More than 70 candidates will have their names on the ballot for European Parliament elections next month, with Midlands-North-West the most heavily contested constituency.

Nominations for election closed yesterday, with 74 candidates in total standing in all three constituencies on June 7.

Midlands-North-West will have 28 candidates on the ballot – with five seats to fill – including two sitting MEPs and a number of high-profile candidates in former jockey Nina Carberry, ex-broadcaster Ciaran Mullooly and businessman Peter Casey.

There are 23 candidates running in the four-seat Dublin constituency.

A further 23 will contest the European election in the five-seat Ireland South constituency.

Nine incumbent MEPs are running for re-election across the country – including a number of sitting TDs and senators.

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 1st May 2024

TDs Bríd Smith and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin are among candidates in Dublin, with Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín standing for election in Midlands-North-West.

Fianna Fáil MEPs Barry Andrews and Billy Kelleher will be looking to defend their seats. As will Green Party incumbents Grace O’Sullivan and Ciarán Cuffe.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus is among those hoping to retain his seat in the packed constituency of Midlands-North-West.

While party colleague Michelle Gildernew is also hoping to win a seat in the European parliament.

Sitting MEPs Mick Wallace, Clare Daly and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan will also seek re-election, while Fine Gael incumbents Maria Walsh and Seán Kelly are also running again.

Taoiseach Simon Harris will be under pressure to retain both seats and make gains for Fine Gael as the European and local elections mark his first outing as party leader.

The lengthy list of candidates means counts could take days to reach their conclusion.

Voters are likely to be motivated by a number of key issues, including immigration and housing when they cast their votes next month.

Candidates from all mainstream parties are set to contest the election, alongside others from groupings such as the National Party, the Irish People, Irish Freedom Party and Ireland First.

There are a number of non-party candidates in the running in each constituency, with Classic Hits broadcaster Niall Boylan among three hopefuls running under the new Independent Ireland banner.

Businessman and former presidential candidate Peter Casey will be standing for election as an independent candidate.