Former Rose of Tralee enters political arena

A FORMER Rose of Tralee from Mayo is entering the political arena.

Maria Walsh, Shrule, has been nominated to contest the European Parliament elections as a Fine Gael candidate next Mayo.

She is lined up to form part of the party's two candidate strategy in the Midlands North West constituency alongside outgoing MEP Mairead McGuinness.

Mayo Senator John O'Mahony pulled out of the race for a nomination a number of weeks ago.

The selection convention takes place in Mullingar on February 22.

Ms. Walsh recently attended the jobs announcement by Meissner Filtration Products Inc in Castlebar as her election campaign prepares to get underway.