Social Democrats give June Murphy the nod in Cork East
AS had been widely anticipated, Mitchelstown-based Cllr June Murphy has been selected as the Social Democrats’ general candidate for the Cork East constituency.
Cllr Murphy was elected to Cork County Council in 2014 under the Sinn Fein banner but sensationally quit the party in late 2015 saying that internal wrangling had left her with no option but to leave and join the ranks of the independents in County Hall.
In February of this year Cllr Murphy formally announced she would be joining the Social Democrats, telling The Corkman that the policies of the party “very much mirror my own ethos on many issues”.
A staunch campaigner for better mental health services, Cllr Murphy has also sought better support for suicide prevention, domestic and sexual abuse and the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
“I have thought long and hard about returning to party politics. I am very happy to have made the move. It has reignited my passion for politics and if it leads me in the direction of contesting for a seat in the Dáil, so be it,” she said.
Cllr Murphy is the current chair of the Fermoy Municipal District committee, a position she took up two weeks ago up, having served as the chair of the Council’s Northern Area Committee for the previous 12 months.
She said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be selected as the Social Democrat candidate for Cork East.
“Our communities face enormous challenges when it comes to decent and affordable housing and proper access to healthcare. We have learned these past months that we can deliver improvements in people’s lives through grass roots activism, compassion and bold leadership,” she said.
The party’s co-leaders, Catherine Murphy TD and Róisín Shortall TD, said they were delighted to have Cllr Murphy on board.
“June has enormous compassion and energy and she is driven by her deep commitment to build a decent society where no one is left behind. As a councillor, she has worked tirelessly to support families at risk of homelessness,” said Deputy Murphy.
“She will be an excellent public representative for the Cork East constituency and will champion investment in people, proper public services and a vibrant and sustainable economy,” added Deputy Shortall.
The ‘Lombardstown 5-Miler’ on the way
THE ‘Lombardstown 5-Miler’, which is being hosted by Mt Hillary AC in partnership with the Lombardstown Community Council, is on Thursday, August 9, starting at 8.15pm.
The course is a relatively flat and scenic route, running parallel with the River Blackwater and overlooked by Mt. Hillary. There are no hills of any significance and plenty of opportunity to gain a new five mile personal best. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three men and women as well as the first man and woman in the over 45, 55 and 65 categories.
They are also running a one mile fun race for the kids of primary school age. THE Higher Diploma in Aquabusiness aims to expand Ireland’s global seafood sector.
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