FG Cork candidate selection: Local anger at party directive 

Fine Gael in Cork South Central has selected two candidates to contest the next general election, hoping to keep Simon Coveney’s seat and perhaps to add a second TD in what will become a five-seat constituency.

City councillor Shane O’Callaghan and county councillor Úna McCarthy were selected from a field of five at the party’s local selection convention, which was held in the International Hotel in the Airport Business Park on Tuesday evening.

The meeting of about 300 Fine Gael members was chaired by Minister of State for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Lining up

When Mr Coveney announced two weeks ago his intention not to stand again after a 26-year political career, Taoiseach Simon Harris predicted that candidates would be “lining up” to replace him, and the local party faithful proved Mr Harris correct.

The candidates were Senator Jerry Buttimer, cathaoirleach of the Seanad: former lord mayor of Cork, councillor Des Cahill; Cork city councillor Shane O’Callaghan; Úna McCarthy, a county councillor in Carrigaline since last October, and John Mullins, who ran unsuccessfully in last month’s European elections, getting 44,000 first preferences.

The meeting saw some acrimonious contributions from the floor when Ms Carroll MacNeill read a party directive decreeing that two candidates be chosen, and that one had to be from the Carrigaline area.

This meant that Ms McCarthy, a secondary school teacher co-opted last year to replace John Paul Murtagh, and the only female candidate, was to be selected regardless of who else was chosen by members.

Angry interventions

Despite some angry interventions, Ms Carroll MacNeill insisted this was in line with procedures agreed at the party’s Árd Fheis.

After the vote, it was confirmed that poll-topping Cork City South Central councillor Shane O’Callaghan, a practicing barrister who is based in Grange and who has sat in council since 2019, was also selected.

There was some speculation after the meeting that the party might yet add a third candidate to the ticket closer to the election, and that this might favour either Mr Buttimer or Mr Mullins.

After his selection, Mr O’Callaghan said he intends to campaign on quality-of-life matters, and, with a keen eye to traditional Fine Gael values, support for business and law and order issues.

“The cost of living, paying mortgages, paying rent and providing and caring for families are challenges everyone is facing. Accessing mental health and disability services are issues which I am extremely anxious to advocate for,” he said.

“I want to make Cork the best city and county for young people to grow up in.” 

Challenges

Ms McCarthy said she believed her life experiences meant she could be a strong voice for communities across Cork South Central.

“I have a lot to offer, and I have learned that in life you have to take the opportunities that come your way.

“There are many challenges that I see as a mother, teacher, and councillor. These include the cost of living, childcare and housing pressures and increased mental health issues on our young people,” she said.

Fine Gael has now chosen 24 general election candidates across 15 constituencies.

Cork South Central is currently a four-seat constituency, and Mr Coveney is not its only TD who will not be running next time out.

Former finance minister Michael McGrath, who has been nominated as Ireland’s next EU commissioner, is not running, and his brother, Seamus, Fianna Fáil councillor for Carrigaline, and currently deputy county mayor, has said he will seek his party’s nomination to contest the next election.

The constituency, which becomes a five-seater at the next election, is currently also represented by Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin spokesperson on social affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.