Former horse rider, Nina Carberry, suspects she will be ousted as a trainer on Ireland’s Fittest Family television programme, now that she’s standing in the European elections as a candidate for Fine Gael. Last month, Carberry, a previous champion jockey, was appointed to represent the party in the Midlands North-West constituency, alongside the incumbent MEP and ex-Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh.
Carberry has had notable success in her racing career, including being a seven-time Cheltenham Festival victor and winning the Irish Grand National in 2011. In recent times, she has turned her attention more towards the commerce side of equestrian sport, trading in horses. She’s also embarked on a promising TV career, in addition to her coaching role on RTÉ’s Ireland’s Fittest Families, winning Dancing with the Stars in 2022.
While talking about her involvement on Ireland’s Fittest Family, she expressed that she “likely won’t have sufficient time for it” if she gains a seat in the elections and that it “may need to be reluctantly dropped.” With filming for the next series poised to go ahead shortly after the election in June, she declared, “I presume they’ll find a substitute for me.”
Speaking during the Fine Gael Ardfheis in Galway, Carberry professed her longstanding interest in politics, wishing to be part of the decision-making process. She disclosed her desire to participate more robustly and impact the future of her two daughters. To the question of what her experience can contribute to the European Parliament, Carberry responded that her riding career had attuned her to resilience and perseverance early in life.
She also mentioned her role in pioneering steps for females in racing, aiding notable figures such as Rachael Blackmore in their achievements, which she is immensely proud of. She noted that when she began her career in horse racing, certain facilities like changing rooms were inadequate, and now she takes pride in the fact that they meet the same standards as those for men.
She is firmly committed to transitioning her experience and knowledge from her previous profession to the arena of politics, believing she can serve as a significant influencer in Europe. Despite acknowledging the unpleasant atmosphere that often permeates politics and the vitriol often targeted at elected officials, especially on the internet, she remains undeterred. She likened this to her previous experience as a jockey, explaining how criticism is a regular part of life online, but one she’s learned to overlook in favour of positivity and progress.
This approach, she attests, would be put into play in her political career, with her clearly expressing her intent not to be affected by such negativity. Although she refrained from pin-pointing a significant competition in the heavily contested Midlands North-West region, dominated by Fine Gael’s two seats, she acknowledged other influential figures like Independent TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan, Sinn Féin’s Chris MacManus and herself.
The Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew is the frontrunner for Sinn Féin, alongside incumbent MEP Mr MacManus. Additionally, the competition includes three Fianna Fáil contestants – TD Barry Cowen and Senators Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney; Aontú’s leader Peadar Tóibín; and ex-journalist from RTÉ, Ciaran Mullooly.
“I see endless potential in all the candidates. For me, it’s akin to a race. Going to maintain a laser focus on my own objectives, look beyond distractions imposed by others and focus on personally interacting with the public, which for me is a priority,” she iterates.
Decidedly, she is prepared to give comprehensive attention to the expansive constituency encompassing fifteen counties. She confidently mentioned the strategic distribution between herself and Maria, with the former focusing on the west while the latter covering the east – a calculated move aimed at securing every possible vote for Fine Gael and ensuring a distinctly audible voice in Europe.