'It's time for me to mind myself': Cork councillor says he won't be contesting elections 

Independent councillor Ger Keohane has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in this year’s local elections.

The Cork City North-East councillor cited health issues over the last number of years as the reason for his decision not to run for re-election.

“It is with great regret that I will not be running and seeking re-election in this year's local elections. These past couple of years I had health issues and I wasn’t performing to the best that I wanted to perform,” he told The Echo.

“I would like to sincerely thank the people who supported me over the past 10 years and gave me the opportunity to serve the people of Glanmire and surrounding areas in Cork County Council and Cork City Council.

“It was a great honour to serve in both councils over the past 10 years - how time flies. 

"My four children are now grown up and making their own way in life and I have two granddaughters as well so it’s time now for me to slow down, take a breath and mind myself for a while.” 

Mr Keohane said that he will always be grateful to the people who helped and supported him along the way, including his fellow councillors and local TDs. 

“I hope that the people of Glanmire feel that I delivered for them during my time as a councillor. 

"More can be done and without a doubt, all public representatives and future public representatives will fight for their area,” he said.

“It is important to give special thanks to the staff of the councils. I can honestly say that they are incredible at doing their job and are prolific at getting funding from central government for various projects. 

"The general public might not realise the hours they put in on a daily basis.”

Reflecting on his time representing the Cork City North-East Ward, he said: “Overall, I’m proud that I was a councillor and associated with the projects that were and will be delivered for the area I represented.

“For now, I need to take time out and I wish all the candidates the very best in all the forthcoming elections.”