Independents pull just 1.5% of vote in Cork South Central 

CITY councillor Paudie Dineen has said he is surprised he didn’t pull more of a vote in Cork South Central.

Mr Dineen was eliminated on the third count, with 898, including transfers. His profile as a city councillor saw him perform as the best independent councillor with 429 first preferences.

However, other independents - William O’Brien, John Donohue and Sean O’Leary - combined with Mr Dineen running in the constituency pulled a paltry 1.5% of the vote - way below the national average of 12.2%.

Despite the disappointing vote, Mr Dineen said he was happy that the nation has embraced change.

“I knew from the outset that the chances of me getting elected were slim because of the big heavy hitters that are on the ticket in Cork South Central.

“However, I didn't think that I would do as poorly as I did as I work very hard as a public rep within my ward and the council. Realistically, I felt there was a real chance of an upset but the South Central independent vote for some reason did not aspire and the transfers did not get a chance to come my way as I taught they would. Silly me I got that all wrong.

“In the run-up to the election, the media themselves did not give me or anyone else a chance. For them it was game set and match and that excluded me as an independent from expressing myself and my views to the general public which put me at a disadvantage.

However, Mr Dineen said he is happy that he took the opportunity to run.

“...as a nation we have realised... change and I am glad I picked the right election to run in. I did not do well but I was on the ballot paper at the very least. The people have finally risen up and have spoken and because of that we have had an election that has changed the political landscape and hopefully, this will be the case for some time to come.

“So even though I didn't do well vote wise I feel that I did my part in realising the political change that we have all yearned for and that we have now finally reached out and grabbed the chance to make change happen. “

 Mr Dineen said he will now concentrate on his constituency work as a city councillor in South Central.