Former Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness outside the Dáil in July 2025. Photograph: Alan BetsonMairead McGuinness has been appointed as the European Union’s next special envoy for religious freedom. The European Commission has now appointed her as special envoy for freedom of religion or belief outside the European Union. McGuinness was a Fine Gael MEP for many years and served as Ireland’s European commissioner between 2020 and 2024. She added: “As special envoy, she will work closely with the European Commission, the European External Action Service [EEAS], EU member states, local governments and organisations, religious groups, and civil society.

Source: The Irish Times March 27, 2026 03:32 UTC