Two new candidates added to Fianna Fáil Cork North-Central election ticket

COUNCILLOR Tony Fitzgerald and Sandra Murphy have been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in Cork North Central.

Their additions alongside sitting TD Pádraig O’Sullivan has thrown the Cork North Central constituency wide open.

Cllr Fitzgerald has served as a Cork City Councillor since 2004 and was Lord Mayor from 2017 - 2018, while Ms Murphy is an Event Creation and Production Manager, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Murphy said she has a unique perspective, given that she owned a bar and restaurant in Glounthaune for twelve years, but suffered through the closure of the business.

She also intends to focus on her own community within the constituency. 

“I will be putting quite a large focus on Bishopstown as a local community because it’s my community. I am the only candidate representing Bishopstown for Cork North Central. I live on Model Farm Road.

“I’m really excited. I’m really proud. I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity. I am very proud as a female as well, I think we need more females in politics. I know I’m the outside runner in all of this but I would like to be given the opportunity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cllr Fitzgerald said: “I am delighted to be contesting the General Election for Fianna Fáil. The northside of Cork has been badly neglected by this Fine Gael government and I intend on providing a strong voice for people in this constituency.

“I have a proven track record on housing and have been heavily involved in the community development and regeneration projects in Cork city over recent years. I want to do more for Cork – the northside needs a new urban quarter to support local industry and I will fight for increased investment for this area and ensure a fairer and more equal society.”

This afternoon, Fine Gael rival Colm Burke hit back at Ms Murphy's claim that she is the only candidate in the Bishopstown part of Cork North Central. 

Senator Burke told The Echo that it was “typical Fianna Fáil” to make such a claim.

He said he was “sorry to disappoint” Ms Murphy, but his home address is also on Model Farm Road, and he has lived there for about 20 years.