Earlier this week McGuinness, who is the Parliament’s current vice-president, confirmed that she is to attempt to replace Martin Schulz as president. Schulz said he will not seek a third term as president.

At the Young Fine Gael national conference on Saturday night, An Taoiseach backed McGuinness to be “an outstanding president”.

I reported as far back as September and again in October that McGuinness was considering a tilt at the presidency.

It’s not going to be plain sailing for the former journalist. McGuinness must claim the support of the influential Germans but, as it stands, she has work to do there.

McGuinness would be the first Irish president of the European Parliament since Pat Cox. Cox served as president of the Parliament from 2002 to 2004.

The next president will be appointed in January and the term will run for two and half years.

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CAP white paper due by end of January