Mairead McGuinness: the person behind the politician

By Brigid O Gorman, Eanna Kelly, Kate Manning , Mike Bray and Grace Campbell.

At a press conference in the Google European Headquarters in Dublin today, MEP Mairead McGuinness (Fine Gael) described her upcoming campaign trail as “a family affair.”

Mairead has begun her journey for re-election in the East Constituency in the impending European elections. “The only pressure I feel is the pressure I generate myself,” said Mairead who juggles her professional position with family life.

From her 86 year old mother recruiting votes in Meath, to her brother adorning t-shirts with her face, Mairead’s family has rallied around to support her election campaign. Her hectic lifestyle leaves little time for rest.

“Whether it’s your physical health or your diet, you've got to know where your lipstick is in the mornings – simple things, but it’s got to work together. I’ve got four children so they’ve got to be part of this arrangement,” said Mairead.

The next few months will be busy, not only for Mairead but for her family as well. Upcoming state examinations and a First Holy Communion are among the milestones Mairead’s children face while their mother canvases throughout the East Constituency. Not to mention the fact that her family car has been turned into the Mairead-mobile.

She also surrounds herself with an efficient team of people including three full-time staff in the Parliament offices. “The struggle is eased by very good staff,” said Mairead.

Having begun her career as a journalist, Mairead said “I always had an inkling,” about entering the world of politics. Fronting “Ear to the Ground” on RTÉ Television Mairead shared her interest in agriculture with the nation. As a member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, she now addresses agricultural issues at European level.

When running for the European Elections in 2004, Mairead faced many challenges. “There were times in 2004 that if I could have pulled out I would have,” said Mairead. “The only obstacle sometimes to getting things done is people telling you that you can’t do it.”

Never a shrinking violet, Mairead is renowned for her unique rendition of “Stille Nacht” at Christmas in the European Parliament. “Many politicians don’t ever gain or regain control of themselves. You become kind of bland; you sign up to everything and believe in nothing.”

Mairead described apathy among the young voters as a “cop-out”. She said: “More than ever it is really important for young people to vote. It’s your Parliament, it’s your vote.”