Agriculture journalist and television presenter Mairéad McGuinness is to seek a nomination from Fine Gael to stand in the forthcoming European elections.
In what is being seen as a considerable coup for the party, it has confirmed that McGuinness has put her name forward to stand for Fine Gael in the East constituency.
McGuinness enjoys a high profile in Irish agriculture, and is currently editor of the farming supplement in the Irish Independent. She also presents RTÉ's agriculture and rural affairs programme, Ear to the Ground. She hosted RTÉ's Celebrity Farm last September.
A former researcher with the Late Late Show, she holds a degree in agricultural economics. She was also appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, to chair the Department of Agriculture's consumer liaison committee, which advises on food safety and consumer issues.
From Ardee, Co Louth, she lives and farms near Drumconrath in Co Meath with her husband, Mr Tom Duff, and their four children.
According to friends she was approached by the local Fine Gael organisation in Co Meath. Her husband and his family are very active in the local Fine Gael organisation.
It is believed that McGuinness was also sounded out on an informal basis by the Progressive Democrats in recent months.
A meeting of Fine Gael's Co Meath executive last night in Slane was expected to endorse McGuinness's candidacy. She is expected to receive sufficient support from other local party executives for her name to go forward to a selection convention to be held on March 14th.
The party is expected to select two candidates to stand in the East constituency.
Outgoing MEP, Ms Avril Doyle, has also put her name forward to stand again for Fine Gael. Slane Castle owner, Lord Henry Mountcharles, has also indicated his intention to seek a nomination.