Mairead McGuinness MEP is standing for Fine Gael in Midlands North-West. Her proudest achievements in her last term in office include reform of EU Structural Funds to ensure people live in communities rather than in institutions, and successfully fighting proposals for deep cuts to the CAP budget.

What was your dream job as a child?

Deep down I always wanted to be a journalist and a politician, I wanted to be involved in public debate and in understanding how things worked. I also wanted to be a country singer...... too late now!

What is your favourite book?

A book given to me on my 21st birthday by a friend in UCD, whom unfortunately I see less often these days. The book is called ‘There's No Such Place As Far Away’, which given my recent job is probably very apt. It is a book that every time I dip into it, as I frequently do, I see something different, something deeper. It is about the ultimate truth about relationships enduring regardless of separation of space and time. It is a book that can be picked up and enjoyed and it serves as a reminder of my college days.

Who has inspired you most?

My mother and father - a unique combination of vision and caution that gave a good balance. I think of them every single day, now that they are gone, great people who started with little, gave a lot and gave away a lot too and left a lasting legacy in terms of family and farming.

What is your guilty pleasure?

There should be no guilt about pleasure-once it's pure! My ultimate pleasure is to take to the fields with our dog, Sam, and just enjoy everything around me, whatever the season. It reconnects me physically and mentally with the countryside.

Phil Prendergast MEP is standing for Labour in Ireland South. A former midwife, she describes her proudest achievement in her last term as securing patient safety provisions in the professional qualifications directive, including an EU-wide alert system for struck off practitioners.

What is your most precious possession?

I would have to say that it would be a watch my father passed onto me. He passed away earlier this year and it's something I treasure.

Who in Irish life has inspired you?

Our president, Michael D. Higgins. I was fortunate enough to get to know him when we were senators and outside of the public person, he is truly a lovely man, sincere, very approachable and always welcoming. His achievements in politics are truly inspiring.

What is your favourite book?

Which book to choose? I did a clearing out of books not so long ago and I still have a mountain of them. I love reading. My favourite book at the moment would have to be Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. A well written book which kept me hooked the whole way through.

Do you think you would ever go back to work as a nurse/midwife?

No I don't think I would go back to work as a nurse. Since I left the profession to enter the political world, I have found a great satisfaction in what I do. I still get to work with and help people but in different ways. It can be difficult at times, much like nursing but the feeling of being able to help someone gives me satisfaction and makes me want to do more.

Nessa Childers MEP is an independent candidate for Dublin. Her proudest achievements in her last term include achieving positive amendments to food labelling legislation, and acting as co-chair of MEPs Against Cancer and Parliament's mental health interest group.

Who is your female icon?

My late mother, Rita Childers was very much ahead of her time: a highly intelligent, remarkably resilient woman. She was never afraid to speak up and to speak out, and I try to keep that heritage alive today in my own professional and personal life.

If you were not in politics, what would be your dream job?

Before being elected to the European Parliament in 2009, I was a psychotherapist and ran my own practice as a self-employed person. It was extremely rewarding as I felt I was able to help people. Otherwise, I’ve always fancied myself as a journalist! I was never a very competent writer, but I think I’d be good in a studio on the radio.

What is your favourite film/TV series?

My favourite recent release has been the Danish political drama Borgen. I like anything gripping with a few twists and turns thrown in.

What's your signature dish?

When you’re running around off to vote in parliament, jumping on a plane to Brussels and Strasbourg, recording comment or taking part in panel shows it’s not always easy to eat well – never mind find the time to cook! But I do make the effort as it’s important not to amass too many bad eating habits. I particularly like fish; it’s quick and easy to prepare and it’s healthy. If I’m in a seaside town canvassing or meeting with community groups I always make sure to keep my eyes peeled for a local fish market. Then I tend to buy whatever the fish-monger recommends, or whatever is on special. A nice piece of fresh fish baked with some lemon juice and served a couple of veg and maybe a potato. Simple – but very delicious when done well.

Liadh Ni Riadh is standing for Sinn Fein in Ireland South. If elected, her priorities include representing those suffering as a result of austerity measures, standing for economic, social justice and equality and breathing life back into the rural heartland.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

One I heard from a mentor of mine while studying for a European diploma: “Never get out of your comfort zone to create a new one – always challenge yourself to reach higher.”

What are you currently reading?

My bedside book is The Woman in the Fifth by Douglas Kennedy, I really like his style of writing and the wonderful insights he gives into that interior dialogue that comes with the human condition.

What's the best advice anybody has ever given you?

You just have to weather it!

When called upon at a party, what is your party piece?

I sing occasionally and I play music so I am never stuck for a party piece. Mind you I prefer to listen to others perform!

Emer Costello MEP is standing for Labour in Dublin. She lists her proudest achievement in her last term as authoring the report and leading the negotiations that led to the €3.5 billion anti-poverty FEAD programme, which will make over €20 million available to Irish charities under a seven-year period for food aid.

What is your favourite place to escape?

I have spent most of my adult life in Dublin and I love to have time on my hands to enjoy the city, whether it’s a GAA or soccer match, an exhibition or a stroll on one of the many lovely beaches and strands in the city’s vicinity. It’s always nice to visit my birth-county of Louth, and Co Sligo, where my husband is from.

Who has been your greatest influence?

I think everyone is shaped by their family life, and parents. I’m no different. Along the way, there were school teachers and lecturers at third level who shaped my direction. In terms of my entry to politics, the Labour Women organisation was hugely supportive and encouraging, and I don’t believe I would have entered politics if I had not come through the ranks of Labour Women.

What do you watch/listen to on the plane to Brussels?

I am more of a reader when I’m on the plane. It’s a vital opportunity for me to review my diary, catch up with paper work and read up on policy-matters that are on the parliament agenda. Plane time is serious work time because the phone is off!

How has someone from Ireland inspired you in the last 12 months?

I was very proud of President Michael D Higgins when he lead Ireland’s first State visit to Britain. He was hugely articulate and inspiring. There are people I meet every day who are doing wonderful work in their communities: in sports clubs, community gardens and in food centres. They are a real source of inspiration and motivation for me.

Marian Harkin MEP is an Independent candidate in Midlands- North West. Her proudest achievement in her last term was initiating a €35 million fund for redundant Irish workers.

What was your first job?

A cashier in Jury’s restaurant in Sligo

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“If you can fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, yours is the earth and everything that’s in it and – which is more – you’ll be a man my son.”

Who has been your greatest influence?

People who walk the walk.

Lorraine Higgins is standing for Labour in Midlands North West. If elected, her priorities include ensuring recovery is shared equally in towns and villages across Ireland, delivering on the bank legacy debt deal, protection of farm incomes and making the youth guarantee scheme work.

What was your first job?

Working in my parents’ business in Athenry, where I learned how to engage with all, young and old and how to be a good listener.

What is your favourite film?

The Shawshank Redemption

What smartphone apps do you use most regularly?

The journal.ie, AIB, Twitter /Facebook and Irish Independent, but not always necessarily in that order!

Lynn Boylan is a Sinn Fein candidate standing in Dublin. If elected, her priorities include breaking the “consensus politics” sending out the impression that the Irish people are ok with the Troika policy of cutbacks and ensuring that Ireland draws down its fair share of funds from the European Investment Bank.

Who is your female icon?

Dr Kathleen Lynn, a politician, activist and medical doctor. She was an active suffragette and a member of the Irish Citizen Army and was chief medical officer during the 1916 rising. Her work with the poor of inner city Dublin led to her setting up St Ultan’s Hospital for impoverished mothers and infants.

What is your favourite quote?

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” Gandhi is a reminder to never give up on your dreams and ambitions in the face of adversity.

What is your favourite place in Ireland?

I have so many places that I love, from Blackhead Lighthouse in Antrim to the oak woods of Killarney, but I have to say there is no place like Croke Park on All Ireland final day!

What is your make up bag essential?

I prefer not to wear too much makeup but I will admit to being a fan of tinted moisturiser especially in the winter!

Grace O’Sullivan is a Green Party candidate for Ireland South. If elected, her priority is to be a strong Green Irish voice at EU level and find ways of increasing job creation, caring for the vulnerable and securing reliable and lasting energy sources.

Who is your female icon?

Mary Robinson. Her impressive presidency, her work with the UN and her recent comments on climate change make her a true icon. She recently said that we have just two decades to save the world. She understands the seriousness of the current environmental challenges we face and is forthright in expressing her views.

As a former national surf champion, what sports person do you admire?

My daughter Emer is a member of the Special Olympics Munster bowling team and is currently training hard for this year's Special Olympics in Limerick in June. She is an incredible athlete and a shining example of the very best of what sport is all about.

What is your make-up bag essential?

I don't wear much makeup, as you can see by my election posters. I occasionally use a little mascara and lipstick, but rarely anything more. I'm told I look OK for a busy 52-year-old mother of three. I put it down to healthy eating, exercise, the occasional seaweed bath and the clean sea air I'm surrounded by.

Do you still go surfing; if so, where?

I certainly do. I love to surf and I'm lucky enough to live in the beautiful surf resort of Tramore in Co Waterford so I'm generally close to the waves! I'm a volunteer coach with the Sunday morning junior surf league which runs at the T-Bay surf and Eco Centre in Tramore, so I have the pleasure of introducing the sport to young people on a regular basis as well.

Mary Fitzpatrick is standing for Fianna Fail in Dublin. If elected, her priorities include championing economic recovery, infrastructure investment, and policy development to deliver a fairer solution from Europe for Dublin, supporting small and medium sized businesses and reducing crime.

What is your favourite song?

Happy by Pharrell Williams always puts a spring in my step!

What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?

There are no shortcuts in life. Discipline, hard work, perseverance, generosity of spirit will stand to you.

Who is your favourite designer?

I shop mainly at high street stores. I regularly shop at J Crew, Mango, Zara, LK Bennett and Ted Baker.

What three things would you bring with you to a desert island?

Well, not quite things but if I could I would bring my family, My Iphone and lip balm.

Deirdre Clune is standing for Fine Gael in Ireland South. If elected, her number one priority is getting people back to work to rebuild communities after the recession.

Where is your favourite place to escape from it all?

The garden is a place where I can gather my thoughts and make sense of the craziness of the world.

What's the best advice anybody has ever given you?

To be honest with yourself and everyone around you. Always tell the truth. Sometimes this is hard and may hurt, but in the long term it will be appreciated.

What are you currently reading?

Ian McEwan's Atonement

What is your party piece?

I'm more of an “all join in together” type rather than a soloist but a round of Beautiful City My Home by the Lee always goes down well!

Bríd Smith is standing for People Before Profit in Dublin. If elected, her chief priority is the cancellation of national debt, while she also opposes water charges.

What is your favourite restaurant?

I like the Lebanese restaurants around Dublin. I love mid-eastern food, the restaurants have a great atmosphere and you can bring along your own wine.

What is your make-up bag essential?

I always use factor 50 sun cream to avoid burns and red veins. I also carry a cold sore deterrent as I get cold sores when under stress or lack of sleep.

What is the best advice your parents gave you?

Love many, trust few, always paddle your own canoe.

Cordelia Nic Fhearraigh is standing for Fís Nua in Midlands North West. If elected, her priority is to implement the Fís Nua programme, which includes economic policies to ensure fair distribution of wealth and efficient allocation of resources for long-term prosperity and sustainable consumption.

What is your favourite film?

Shawshank Redemption

What is your earliest memory?

Teidí mór agam agus mé i leoraí m’athair. Bhí an teaghlach ag bogadh ó Bhéal Feirste go Gaeltacht Ghaoth Dobhair. Is cuimhne liom go raibh an leoraí ag barr mám na Mucaise agus muid ag tarraingt ar an Chroisbhealach. (Myself and my teddy in my father’s lorry. The family was moving from Belfast to the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht.)

What three things would you bring to a desert island?

Mo chuid cniotáil, uisce, mo dhá chat Zac agus Cócó. (My knitting, water and two cats, Zac and Cócó.)

Jillian Godsil is an independent candidate in Ireland South. Despite being hit financially by divorce and the recession and “forced” into bankruptcy, she challenged her constitutional right to run for public office. If elected, her priority is to reduce Ireland’s burden of debt in the Eurozone.

Who is your hero?

My mum. She is 83 years young, full of energy, vim and humour. She is also the most un-judgemental person you can meet.

What was your first job?

I was hired on the milk round (i.e. even before I had sat my finals in Trinity) by JP Morgan. It is ironic that my first job was with an investment bank and now I am fighting the banks, however, it does give me insight into the world of banking and I am not afraid of their bluster.

What is your favourite animal?

My favourite animal is a horse. I always loved them from afar growing up in suburban Dublin and when I moved to the country in 1996 it was of the first changes I made in my life, or rather in my children’s. We started with one spotty pony and haven’t looked back since. When I got divorced I got involved directly and learnt to ride and bought a little cob.

I became involved also with the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and have been their pro bono pr agency for the past ten years and now my eldest daughter volunteers with them. I am too broke for riding at the moment, but when I had money I went on a cattle drive in Montana – one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I hope to go back riding when things quieten down. I love hacking out – it totally frees the mind and puts a smile on my face. As Churchill said – there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a (wo)man.

What is your most precious possession?

I don’t actually have possessions any more – the banks repossessed my home, I sold all my furniture and goods to live, although I do have a fridge freezer and bath from my old house, So, I’ll say my bath! What I have learnt in recent years is that possessions are so unimportant. What I value dearly are my two girls, my family, my friends and my health – that and laughter, lots of laughter!

Theresa Heaney is standing for Catholic Democrats in Ireland South. If elected, her priority is to defend the right of the working mother, whether inside or outside the home, and promote the message that mothers and the home matter.

What was your first job?

My first job was as a ward assistant in the Bon Secours hospital in Cork, where my duties ranged from working in the lab to cleaning and delivering meals. I loved the hospital atmosphere, that roller coaster of happiness, but also sadness, all rolled into one.

What public figure has inspired you most?

Nora Bennis from Limerick for her dedication to the cause of the working mother, whether inside or outside the home, and defending the constitutional right of a mother in the home, to not be forced out to the workforce against her will for 'financial necessity.’

What is your favourite song?

“A Mother’s Love Is A Blessing” because it truly is.