Sinn Féin selects two candidates to contest general election in Cork North Central

Sinn Féin has selected two candidates to contest the next general election in the Cork north central constituency.

The party has announced that sitting TD, Thomas Gould and councillor Joe Lynch will represent the Cork north central constituency, which is set to expand in the next election, absorbing Mallow from Cork east, and Ballincollig from Cork north west.

Mr Gould, who has been serving in the area for the last four years, said it has been “a huge honour” to represent the people of Cork north central, and that he will continue to tackle issues such as housing, healthcare and the cost of living as he enters into the next general election.

“I was the first ever TD elected from Knocknaheeny and I promised to stand up for people across Cork north central, from Mayfield to Knocknaheeny, Ballyvolane to Churchfield, Blarney to Glanmire, I have been honoured to stand with you on the issues most important to you,” said Mr Gould.

“In my 15 years as an elected representative, I have strived to be a voice for ordinary communities in Cork.

“This general election is our best possible chance at real and radical change on the problems facing ordinary people.

“Housing continues to be the number one issue of this generation, [and] for those locked out of the housing markets, those spending years on housing waiting lists and those paying crippling rents, I want to be very clear, Sinn Féin do not just have a vision, we have a plan.

“I know that unclean water and reliable public transport will [also] be key issues in this election, [and] these are issues I believe people need strong voices on,” he added.

“I will work tirelessly to continue to be that voice.” 

Mr Lynch, a Ballincollig native, said: "I am very proud to have been selected by the Sinn Féin membership to join Thomas Gould TD on the party ticket for the next general election.

"With places like Ballincollig and Mallow moving into the constituency, Cork north central is changing and it is vital that communities right across the constituency have strong representation in the Dáil.

"Ballincollig is my hometown, I care about the village, the communities that make it up, and its people passionately.

“We have been without a TD of our own for far too long, and with over ten years experience of working in Leinster House, I am up for the job and ready to hit the ground running.

"My generation, those of us in our thirties, approaching our forties, who just want somewhere to call home, can’t wait any longer,” he added.

“We need a new approach, a new plan and new voices in power to deliver affordable homes, because more of the same won't cut it."