Fine Gael select two to run in South Central

Fine Gael has chosen two candidates to run in Cork South Central at the next General Election following Deputy Simon Coveney announcing recently that he was leaving politics.

Councillors Shane O’Callaghan and Una McCarthy were selected to represent the party at a convention last night at the Cork International Airport Hotel which was chaired by Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Former MEP candidate John Mullins, Cllr Des Cahill and Senator Jerry Buttimer had also put their hat in the ring to be picked. During the meeting, Minister Carroll MacNeill read a directive from Fine Gael headquarters which said two candidates should be chosen, and one should be from the Carrigaline area. This directive wasn't too well received and lead to some anger at the meeting, according to the Irish Examiner.

Cllr Shane O’Callaghan said he will be working across the constituency ahead of the election and will prioritise certain issues including protecting and supporting jobs and businesses.

He added: “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. I want to champion law and order issues. This includes providing more resources for An Garda Síochána, more support for victims and much longer sentences for violent criminals and repeat offenders.”

Cllr Una McCarthy from Carrigaline, said it was “an honour” to represent the party at the next General Election.

She said: “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. We need to have improved services across the board for all our children to ensure a fairer society and country.”

Fine Gael has now chosen 24 candidates in 15 constituencies. This also includes Cllr Noel McCarthy and Mark Stanton, son of Deputy David Stanton, on the Cork East ticket.