Cork teacher selected by Social Democrats to contest elections in the city

A secondary school teacher has been selected by the Social Democrats in Cork City to run in the local elections. She is a veteran of three election campaigns.

Sinéad Halpin, a Farranree native and Mayfield resident, is to run for the party in the Cork City North East ward in June’s local elections.

Her background is science and renewable energy, and she ran in the ward for the local elections in 2019, as well as in Cork North Central for the 2019 by-election and 2020 general election.

Ms Halpin’s selection means the Social Democrats now have a candidate in all five Cork City wards, and nationally she is the party’s 75th candidate.

Ms Halpin said she believed that, apart from the city’s boundaries, little had changed in Cork since 2019.

“We are still dealing with major homelessness, hidden homelessness, stretched public services, and a divided city, in terms of poverty and access to services,” Ms Halpin said.

“However, the very thing that drew me to the Social Democrats, as a party, is exactly what is needed at this time: The ability to say ‘yes’ to change.”

Ms Halpin said she wanted to see a city that was inclusive, fair, and just.

“What is a core tenet of the Social Democrats is that we’re not just talking the talk. We’re walking the walk,” she said.

“Accountability, transparency, integrity: These aren’t just words to us. They’re the bedrock of everything we do: Restoring trust to public life, and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard is central to everything we do.”

Daithí Ó Sé, chairman of the Cork North Central branch, said he was happy to see Ms Halpin running again for the Social Democrats.

“As a mother to two boys and a teacher in the area, she knows exactly what the area needs, in terms of social and affordable housing, public transport and community support.

“Sinéad would bring energy, passion, and experience to Cork City Council and I urge all voters in the area to consider her on election day in June,” he said.