Former jockey Nina Carberry to run for Fine Gael in European elections

The seven-time winner at Cheltenham is set to run in the Midlands-North West constituency which stretches all the way from her native Meath across the midlands to Galway and up to Donegal.

There are five seats on offer in the vast polling area, one more than in 2019.

In a message to members today, she wrote: “My name is Nina Carberry. I am a champion jockey, a businesswoman, a sports coach, an author, and even a participant on Dancing With The Stars and Ireland's Fittest Family. “In the Ireland and Europe of today, it is more important than ever for those who believe they can make a difference to put their hand up to make things happen. As a mother of two, that is why I want to contest the European Elections for Fine Gael this June to ensure a bright future for all.

Nina Carberry to run for Fine Gael in European elections

“Honesty, hard work, and plain talking define my approach. Growing up in a family of Fine Gael supporters, lively debates and radio discussions were part of our daily lives.

"Fine Gael’s core value of equality of opportunity resonates deeply with me. As a candidate, I embody this principle.

“Fine Gael has a commendable track record of strong female representatives, including Mairead McGuinness, Deirdre Clune, Helen McEntee, Frances Fitzgerald, Heather Humphreys and Maria Walsh.

“The Midlands Northwest constituency is vast and diverse, spanning rural, urban, and commuter belt areas. Having spent two decades traveling the country, meeting people through racing and community events, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by these communities.

“Across Europe, rural areas encounter unique difficulties, and this holds even truer for an island off the European coast. I want to be a champion for balanced regional development, making sure every town and village has access to the services and infrastructure that allow people to live and work locally.

“I also want to connect and restore communities by supporting the work of the many voluntary groups and businesses to create vibrant spaces across the region.

“Farmers and small businesses do so much for our communities and Europe can do a lot for them. I want to reduce the burden on farmers and businesses by simplifying the red tape they need to complete to access support.

“For me, one of the great advantages of the European project is free movement for students providing access to a wide variety of educational opportunities. It is important to protect this.

"As somebody who has a keen interest in skills development, I want to see the development of a cross-European apprentice scheme that could benefit the sharing of skills and ideas to create more opportunities for our young people.”

Adding Ms Carberry to the Fine Gael ticket will be a significant coup for the party when analysts are widely predicting they will lost some of the five MEP seats won last time out.

Ms Carberry has maintained her profile since retiring from horse racing five years ago.

She won RTÉ's Dancing With The Stars in 2022. And the 39-year-old was a judge on the Ireland's Fittest Family competition.

Fine Gael already has two sitting MEPs in the constituency: Maria Walsh and Colm Markey. The others in situ are Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Sinn Fein's Chris McManus.

Ms Carberry added: “I would consider it a huge privilege to run for election for Fine Gael and have the chance to represent the people of Midlands Northwest. I have proven myself in sport and business and look forward to bringing my drive and determination to this new opportunity.

“I humbly ask for your support in the upcoming Midlands Northwest Selection Convention. I will be in contact with as many members and public representatives over the next week, but feel free to message or email me if you wish.”