O'Keeffe was a surprise Labour Party selection for the 2009 elections to the European Parliament in the constituency of Connacht-Ulster. During the election campaign Susan kept a diary, detailing the highs and lows, the rough practice and back-talk, the parties and the individuals that are contesting the election. Full of local color and insight into national and international affairs, The Candidate is the first book of its kind, written on the spot by a candidate who is already a talented, highly experienced journalist.