There is still “chapters to be written” in the long career of Mairead McGuinness.

The outgoing European Commissioner for Financial Stability was speaking at a ‘Collaborating for Impact: Ireland and Europe working together on agri-food research’ event in Dublin on Monday.

Being a European Commissioner since 2020, McGuinness announced last year that she would not be running for 2024 European parliament elections.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal about her career, McGuinness said agriculture could play a role in her next position, even if it is closer to home.

“For the first time in a very long time, I do not have a next job in mind. Coming from a farm, I knew from an early age the importance of work; fruit picking, picking potatoes, looking after calves, moving cattle and also helping with the poultry enterprise,” she said.

“I have worked full-time since leaving UCD in 1980, that’s 44 years, so I think a week or two of not thinking about work is well earned.

“I expect to spend a bit more time on our farm in Meath, and stand in a gap or two when the sheep are on the move. Let’s see what 2025 brings.”

Farming

Born in Drogheda, Co Louth, McGuinness went on to become first female graduate of University College Dublin's Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1980.

She worked as an agri print journalist before going in front of the camera as lead anchor for RTE’s Ear to the Ground covering issues in the farming sector.

“The biggest risk farmers face is uncertainty, and there seems to be a heightened sense of uncertainty in the farming community at present. With another reform of the CAP looming and a discussion on the EU Budget, we need to have a greater consensus on what farming model is appropriate for the EU,” McGuinness added.

“Farmers are already working to make their farms more climate smart and sustainable, including addressing biodiversity issues. The unanswered question is - will the price of food or rather the price paid to farmers, reward them for this increased effort and the additional costs involved?”

Career

After pursuing a career in journalism, McGuinness entered politics in 2004 by seeking a nomination to the European parliament.

She was first elected to second vice-president of the European parliament, the third highest ranking MEP, before her appointment as commissioner.

Speaking at the agri-food research event, Teagasc director prof Frank O’Mara said that she represented her constituents and country very well in Europe.

“[McGuinness] had an illustrious career there. No doubt there is more chapters to be written in the Mairead McGuinness book and we look forward to see what they might be in times to come.”