MEP Maria Walsh: While some might know me best as the Rose of Tralee, I have a strong political track-record from Europe to share

MEP Maria Walsh: While some might know me best as the Rose of Tralee, I have a strong political track-record from Europe to share

The transition from Rose of Tralee to MEP was not the most traditional route into politics, but after five years of working in the European Parliament for the Midlands-North West, I have a strong track record of achievements under my belt. I have spent my time working to improve the everyday lives of my constituents across the areas of agriculture, local businesses, healthcare and equality. 

As a farmer myself, I have protected the incomes of young farmers, female farmers, and crucially, of our hard-working family farmers across the Midlands-North West by lobbying for increased CAP funding in the European Parliament. I have also helped agricultural innovation projects access investment through Horizon Europe funding, and worked to bring best-practice European farming techniques to Irish farms. 

Protecting Ireland’s economic competitive advantage on the European stage has been a core priority of mine, as has supporting female entrepreneurs. In 2021, women received just over 2% of total venture capital invested in European start-ups, but yet make up close to 40% of all European entrepreneurs. To right this wrong, I developed the concept of the Female Founders’ Fund, the first of its kind in the EU, to provide female business owners with much needed capital. As one of the Chief Negotiators on the EU’s Pay Transparency Directive, I have also delivered legislation which ensures that Irish women receive the same pay as their male colleagues. 

On healthcare, I have worked day in and day out to put mental health on the European political agenda. Death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for our young people in the EU. To combat this crisis, I have worked closely with President Ursula Von der Leyen and the European Commission to ensure mental health is accounted for across European policy. Off the back of my work, I am confident that we will see the first ever EU Mental Health Strategy delivered in the next mandate. 

Over 70% of our Irish legislation comes from Europe, so we must never forget the importance of the EU in our daily lives. In a time of global uncertainty and rising extremism, ensuring credible and serious politicians are representing Ireland in Europe is vital to the health of our communities, economies and families. 

Get to know MEP Maria Walsh:

• What has been your favourite job to date?

Growing up on a farm, I went to local marts with my father from a young age. I started helping out in Headford Mart when I was about eight years old - helping farmers to load and offload their sheep from their trailers, especially on Fair Days! 

• What might people be surprised to know about you?

I’m a practising Catholic, and spirituality is something that’s a big part of my life. Having lost a number of friends and family members at a young age, religion and spirituality helped me to deal with my grief. I have strong friendships with members of the Church and have spoken with many priests across the country about being a Catholic and also being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. When I get a chance, I love to go on a pilgrimage and have really enjoyed doing the Camino and Lough Derg in the past.

• In three words, how would your friends and family describe you?

Hardworking, fun and caring (I hope!). 

• What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time has become something of a luxury over the past five years! But when I do get time off, I love nothing more than going to a GAA match or a Country music gig. I’m living at home with my parents at the moment so I also try to spend as much time as I can working on the family farm, which gives me great peace of mind. 

• Do you have a party piece?

If you watched me on the Rose of Tralee ten years ago you would know that the answer to that is a hard no! 

• What is your most prized possession?

On a fateful afternoon in Croke Park in August 2014, on the day of the Mayo vs Kerry All-Ireland semi-final, I was presented with a Mayo jersey signed by the whole team, and it remains my most valued possession to this day.  I firmly believe that Mayo will win the All-Ireland - and I hope I’m back in Croke Park to see it. 

• Favourite food?

I’m a big fan of a burger, and in particular what the guys are doing in Handsome Burger in Galway city. 

• Favourite drink?

I’m a pioneer so it would have to be something of the non-alcoholic variety! A strong Americano keeps me going through long days of travel. 

• Favourite TV show?

It would have to be a toss up between The West Wing (everyone needs a Josh Lynam in their life!) or Murder She Wrote. 

• Finally, any fun facts you can share?

I’ve a total of six tattoos, and in a former life I was a member of the Irish Reserve Defence Forces.