Labour trebles its presence on Cork City Council

THE Labour Party has trebled its presence on Cork City Council, in what has been hailed as a triumphant resurgence for the party following a “fallow period in the city”.

In a passionate speech following his election to the South East ward Peter Horgan paid tribute to councillor John Maher who easily retained his seat in the Nort East ward.

Mr Horgan said he was “delighted” with the gains the party had secured.

“The Labour Party in Cork has been through a fallow period in the city.

“We’ve been hoisted by our flag bearer in City Hall for the last five years, John Maher.

“I think I’ve spoken to John probably more every week than I’ve spoken to my wife Celine on the phone about issues in the Labour Party and issues affecting Cork city and I’m delighted that we’re going to be joined as well by our great, esteemed colleague in the South West Laura Harmon who has put in a ferocious effort on her campaign,” he said.

“This is what the people of Cork need and what they want - a return of the Labour Party to Cork City Council.

Honoured to be elected to @corkcitycouncil to represent the south west area - a seat back for @labour after a decade.

We worked very hard for this. 1240 first preference votes and elected to to 5th seat in a 7 seater. Grateful to the campaign team and everyone who voted ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Er7jvLNLa

— Laura Harmon (@LauraHarmon01) June 10, 2024

“There are some people who are happy for Government parties to continue the way they are.

“There are some people who might want to see a resurgence of the far right and extreme nationalism, but there are a lot of people in this Cork city of ours that want to see a responsible opposition, responsible politics and the Labour Party in Cork City Council will provide that through councillor John Maher, councillor Laura Harmon and councillor Peter Horgan.” Meanwhile after being elected in the South West ward Laura Harmon said:

“Labour’s definitely back and look we worked really hard to get this result.

“I started canvassing last summer, I met thousands of people from all walks of life across the city’s South West ward and it’s been a real privilege to hear about the issues facing people from derelict housing to poor footpaths and infrastructure to lack of green spaces and look I think people want to see a strong Labour back in Cork again.”