Former champion jockey Nina Carberry has announced that she has put her name forward as a potential candidate for Fine Gael in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
The seven-time winner at Cheltenham would stand in the Midlands-North-West constituency should she receive the party’s nomination.
Carberry, who is also a successful businesswoman, is a former Dancing With The Stars champion and Ireland’s Fittest Family judge, which are all perhaps suggestive of her popularity both during and post her career as a ground-breaking jockey.
NEW: It’s Nina Carberry - former jockey and DWTS champion is seeking FG nomination to run for the European Parliament in Midlands North West. @VirginMediaNews https://t.co/N5YUtqZI3v
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 18, 2024
What areas will Nina Carberry look to focus on in politics?
Now looking to venture into politics, Carberry says that her approach would involve “honesty, hard work and plain talking.”
Speaking in a message to Fine Gael members, she went on to explain how in today’s world, “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," she added.
That family ethos is something that extends to the rest of Carberry’s statement too.
“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,” she says.
New - The former champion jockey and businesswoman Nina Carberry is to seek the Fine Gael nomination to run in the European Parliament elections in the Midlands Northwest constituency. @rtenews
— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) March 18, 2024
The 39 year old also touched on some specific areas she might intend to hone in on.
"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,” she says.
"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."
Now looking to follow in the footsteps of Mairead McGuinness and Maria Walsh who both won seats for Fine Gael last time out, she highlighted the party’s “commendable track record of strong female representatives” and "humbly" asked for support at the selection convention.
To represent the Midlands-North-West constituency would be a “huge privilege” she added.
It's Cheltenham week! 🏇🙌
Seven-time winner at the festival Nina Carberry gives her preview for the week! #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/umFCzYLxrr— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 11, 2024
