{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c5d757b48a8f157c1f9076/689ef30f290bdec8f9651aa3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness Pulls Out of Presidential Race Following Medical Advice - 15/08/2025","description":"<p>The presidential election race has been thrown into uncertainty by the shock announcement by former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness that she was dropping out for health reasons.</p><p><br></p><p>She said the “very difficult decision” came after a stay in hospital last week adding: “my priority now is my health. Given that the election is in a short couple of months, I do not believe that I have the strength to give the campaign my all.”</p><p><br></p><p>The Fine Gael politician led recent opinion polls and her departure leaves just one confirmed candidate in the contest, left-wing Independent TD Catherine Connolly.</p><p><br></p><p>Political Correspondent Sean Defoe joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about this.</p><p><br></p><p>We also discussed the controversy surrounding Presidential hopeful, Gareth Sheridan. </p><p><br></p>","author_name":"lmfm "}