Sinn Féin announces details of Cork's newest councillor

Sinn Féin has announced Orla O'Leary as Cork's newest city councillor.

She will fill the vacancy left by Cllr Eolan Ryng, who recently stepped back from the role, having represented the city’s South West ward.

Ms O'Leary described her nomination to fill the seat left by her party colleague and to represent the people of her area as "an honour". 

The motivation for the mother of a baby daughter who lives in the Leesdale area off the Model Farm Road is to "play a positive role in the community in which her daughter will grow up".

She’s not green to the political scene having worked as a constituency assistant for Sinn Féin previously and she has earned a BSc in Government and a Masters’ degree in Public Policy along the way. She has worked in the Economic Social Research Institution. She now works in the public sector.

"I am determined to be a strong voice for workers, families and communities on Cork City Council and to hit the ground running and to make a real difference.,” said the councillor to be in her first statement to the public.

“I know the importance of delivering for people and making positive change in our community.

"As a young mother, I am very aware of the challenges faced by workers and families.

“The soaring cost of living is having a big impact right across the board and it's compounding the housing crisis.

“Too many people struggle to put a secure, affordable roof over their heads.” 

She said a ‘major ramping up’ was needed in the delivery of affordable homes to buy and rent in Cork City.

“I believe Cork City Council can and must bring the urgency and pace that's necessary to fix the problem and give young families their chance at a better life and a good future.” 

She said she had a strong work ethic and recognised the need to put in a ‘serious shift’ when given the responsibility of representing citizens in Cork City.