Former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh has confirmed she is seeking the Fine Gael nomination to contest the forthcoming European parliament elections.

Ms Walsh will seek a nomination in the Midlands/North-West constituency.

In a statement on Sunday, Ms Walsh said: “I want to become an MEP and represent the interest of a wide constituency that is going through many changes.

“As we can see from the events of recent years and months, it is absolutely vital that Ireland’s voice is heard at a European level.”

Fine Gael’s European selection convention for the Midlands/North-West constituency will be held on February 22nd in Mullingar. There are four seats on offer in the constituency.

Ms Walsh said if elected she can make a “valuable contribution” in the ongoing Brexit debate and represent local and rural concerns at an international level.

"I am always first and foremost a proud west of Ireland woman with an unyielding commitment to achieving good progress on behalf of our communities," she said.

"I appreciate entering politics and trying to get a seat at the European Parliament is a daunting task but throughout my life, I have constantly faced obstacles and challenges head on and overcome them.

“That is why I am first of all, asking the members of Fine Gael to nominate me as a candidate on February 22 and then canvass the people of the Midlands and North-West to support me in May’s European elections of our communities.”

Ms Walsh, the Philadelphia Rose, was crowned the winner of the Rose of Tralee in August 2014.