Get to know the Fine Gael candidates for Cork North Central
Make an informed decision with your vote by learning more about each candidate's key priorities if elected.
Fine Gael is proud to present our team for Cork North Central: Colm Burke TD, Imelda Daly, and Garret Kelleher. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience, deep community roots, and a shared dedication to improving the lives of local families. Together, they are ready to build on our progress, tackle key challenges, and deliver strong representation for all in Cork North Central.
I’m Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central and Minister of State at the Department of Health. With over 30 years of public service experience, including time as Lord Mayor of Cork and MEP, I’ve been committed to delivering for our community. As TD, I’ve always fought hard to deliver for my constituents.
Healthcare: Delivering an Elective Hospital for Cork and primary care centres in Blarney, Glanmire, and Mayfield.
Housing: Accelerating the construction of new homes across Cork.
Agriculture: Supporting our farmers and families in rural Ireland
Community & Safety: Providing resources for law enforcement and a day centre for those affected by homelessness and addiction.
I’m running to continue building on the progress we’ve made and to drive positive change for Cork.
I was born and live in Glanmire with my husband and two children, I understand the challenges and opportunities the community faces daily. I’ve taught in Scoil Naomh Micheál, Upper Glanmire, for over 17 years and volunteered with Brooklodge Community Centre and Foróige, giving me a deep connection to the needs of our area.
Childcare: As a mother of two, I believe Fine Gael's childcare plan will greatly benefit families. Capping costs at €200 per child and creating state-owned childcare facilities aim to ease the burden of finding suitable creche or pre-school places.
Education: With 17 years as a primary teacher, I’m committed to prioritising education, especially Special Education. We need more special schools, ASD classrooms, and better school infrastructure. Too many Cork North Central schools still rely on costly, inadequate prefabs.
Farming: As a farmer's daughter, I’ve seen the challenges farmers face, from profit struggles to mental health issues. We must better support our farmers and rural communities — they are the backbone of Irish society.
Women’s health: Women’s healthcare needs more focus. While recent initiatives like cancer screenings and free HRT are positive, targeted centres are needed for comprehensive female health issues, from reproductive concerns to menopause care.
Community development: Strengthening community resources, especially public transport, is essential. If elected, I’ll work tirelessly to address your concerns shared at doors, via email, and phone.
I’m a Cork City Councillor since 2019, a graduate of UCC and living in Ballincollig with my wife and four young children. I work hard in my role as a councillor. As a TD for Cork North Central, I will continue that work to deliver key projects for the constituency.
1. Work with the local authorities on the delivery of higher targets for social, affordable and private housing including one-off rural housing.
2. Target government investment in childcare facilities and additional direct support for parents.
3. Secure funding for new and existing schools in areas of growing population, with special attention on the additional resources for special needs education.
4. Finalise a timeline for delivery of the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway.
5. Secure the delivery of a light rail for Cork to further the sustainable development of our city.
6. Extend opening of our garda stations across the constituency.
I’m asking for your No 1 vote to so I may represent you and your interests in the next Dáil.
