'All's fair in love and war - Bring it on'; Cork's Holly Cairns ready to battle her boyfriend at next general election 

There'll be no love lost when Social Democrat Holly Cairns runs against her Fianna Fáil boyfriend Christopher O’Sullivan in the upcoming general election in Cork South West.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Cairns said running against her partner feels like being in a badly-written rom-com, but she is ready to put romance aside for a fair fight.

Mr O'Sullivan was added to the Fianna Fáil ticket today and Ms Cairns will run for the Social Democrats in the upcoming general election in Cork South West.

“Even though I knew him being added to the ticket was a possibility, now that it's happened, I feel a bit like I'm in a badly written rom-com.

“Obviously, we get on like a house on fire personally, not so much politically.

“I will say that he didn't think I had a chance in the local elections. I proved him wrong then. 

"I might just do it again. All's fair in love and war. Bring it on.” 

Councillor O’Sullivan topped the poll in the local elections last May and subsequently became Mayor of Cork County Council.

In a statement today, Cllr O’Sullivan said, “I am delighted to have been added to the ticket to contest the next general election in Cork South West. 

"We have an extremely strong ticket, and I am looking forward to working with Deputy Margaret Murphy O’Mahony to return two seats in Cork South West.

“Born and reared in Clonakilty I have a real grá for West Cork and I would love to see this part of Cork reach its full potential.

“Having spent three years as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce in Clonakilty I understand the many challenges facing small business owners in the area. 

"I share their concerns and that is why I have continuously sought to promote small businesses and the need to shop local.

“I am excited about the campaign ahead and believe a change in Government is needed to deal with the various crisis in health and housing. 

"We also need a Government who will tackle the climate action head-on.

“My record as a Councillor gives me a strong base to inject a new energy into national politics and I hope the people of Cork South West support me in that endeavour,” he concluded.