‘A time for hope’: Cork leaders in key organisations outline asks for next government 

A firm commitment to end homelessness by 2030, a dedicated minister for tourism and hospitality at the Cabinet table, as well as prioritising compassion and courage in addressing the pressing issues faced by our communities — these were some of the asks of Cork leaders in key organisations for when the new government is formed after the election.

President Michael D Higgins has formally dissolved the Dáil to mark the beginning of the election campaign.

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris travelled to the residence of President Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin’s Phoenix Park yesterday afternoon to request the move.

Candidates across the country are facing a compressed three-week campaign until polling day on November 29.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Harris called for a “safe and respectful campaign for all politicians and all their teams” and urged the Irish people to value their vote and use their voice.

According to Paul Sheehan, communications manager with Cork Simon, the elimination of homelessness had to be the top priority for the political parties.

Caitríona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners set the candidates a challenge, “to prioritise compassion and courage in addressing the pressing issues faced by our communities”.

“Together, let’s tackle homelessness, food poverty, mental health, and addiction with honesty and responsibility,” she said. “This is a time for hope and meaningful change.”

“We will be looking for commitments to escalate the number of social houses that the Government intends to deliver, that will meet the Government’s commitment to ending homelessness by 2030, the Irish State has signed up to that commitment,” said Mr Sheehan.

Irish Hotel Federation president and Cork hotelier, Michael Magner, said the tourism and hospitality sector was Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and measures to tackle the increasing cost of doing business were needed, adding: 

“What really needs to be taken seriously is that, as an industry, we are absolutely tired of having [a] Government where we cannot have a dedicated minister for tourism and hospitality at the Cabinet table.

“If agriculture, which is the next largest indigenous sector, can have it, why can’t we?”

Aaron Mansworth, of the Cork Business Association, said Donald Trump’s return as US president meant corporation tax receipts would eventually fall in Ireland.

“We ask that politicians start to protect small and medium enterprises — our members are tired of the false promises being given by politicians in respect of the supports given,” he added.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the city and region needed investment and supporting policies “to drive its economic growth”.

“We must invest in our infrastructure, our housing, our public transport; we need to prioritise the pursuit of a sustainable, vibrant evolution in our urban centres; and we must enhance our competitiveness, attracting talent and investment, and supporting SMEs and local businesses.”

Former University College Cork president and newly elected chancellor of the National University of Ireland, Michael Murphy, said if Ireland aspired to be the best small country in Europe, it needed to have an education that measured up to that ambition. 

“The days of miracles are over; we will only get into the medals with a 1st (not 18th) place plan, leadership toolkit and resources,” he stated. “Show us the beef.”