Who was elected in your area?: Cork City South Central

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024 - 07:00

Amy Power

THE landslide victory for Fine Gael’s incumbent councillor Shane O’Callaghan was the major story in the city’s South Central ward.

Mr O’Callaghan, first elected to Cork City Council in 2019, said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be re-elected on the first count.

He topped the polls in the ward — which encompasses areas such as the city centre, Ballyphehane, Greenmount, Turner’s Cross, and part of Douglas — securing 1,870 first preference votes.

“I’m so happy that the people of Cork South Central have decided to put their faith in me again for another five years in such huge numbers,” he said.

He also said the result is a landmark one for the Fine Gael party.

“What is significant is it’s the first time, I think ... that a Fine Gael candidate has topped the poll in the South Central ward, and I think that is significant, particularly when you look at the fact that five years ago we’d no seat.

“To go from having no seat to topping the poll within the space of five years, I think is very significant.”

Mr O’Callaghan said his priorities for the next council term include working to secure additional funding for footpath resurfacing and the provision of more social and affordable housing.

Next to be elected in the ward was veteran Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Martin.

He surpassed the quota on the seventh count with a total of 1,537 votes including transfers.

Mr Martin was first co-opted onto Cork City Council in 1997 to fill the seat vacated by his brother, current Tánaiste Micheál Martin, following his ministerial appointment after that year’s general election.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Martin said he was “elated” to retain his seat. “I think, overall for the party, it’s been a very good performance in Cork … and I think that’s down to hard work on the ground,” he said.

Heading into the weekend, the only thing that could be said for certain was that the ward would have at least one new face to fill the seat of veteran Independent councillor Mick Finn — who opted against running after a 15-year term on council. Some 15 candidates were battling it out for six seats.

Just after 10pm on Sunday night the final four seats were filled with Social Democrats' Padraig Rice, the Green Party's Dan Boyle, Sinn Féin's Fiona Kerins and Independent Paudie Dineen all being elected.

Cork City South Central