And they’re off...
AFTER weeks of feverish speculation, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar finally pulled the plug on the 32nd Dáil – prompting candidates across North and Mid- Cork to begin the process of festooning every available telegraph pole with posters imploring the public for their vote.
Before the Taoiseach had even left the Áras following his meeting with President Higgins, the airwaves and the internet were bristling with speculation as to who the winners and losers of
Election 2020 might be.
Will Leo hold on to power? Will Micheál ride into power on the back of a Fianna Fáil wave? Who will be the potential kingmakers?
These and many other questions will be answered at the polls on February 8.
The Corkman contacted all of the candidates so far declared in both the Cork East and Cork North West constituencies and they have given their opening salvoes for what already has the makings of one the most fascinating political tussles the region has seen for many years.
WITH a general election now looming large on the horizon, members of the public have been urged to make sure they are eligible to vote on polling day.
Concerns had been raised that thousands of people might not be eligible to vote if the election was held prior to February 15, the date when the updated register for this year becomes valid.
As the election is now set to take place on February 8, it now means that those who have registered to vote since the European and local elections will have to contact their local authority to see if their names are included on the official register.
Anyone over the age of 18 and resident in Ireland can check online at www.checktheregister.ie to see if their names are on the 2019-2020 register.
Those whose names do not appear on the register are advised to check with Cork County Council to see if their details are included on the supplement to the register of electors.
In the event that they are not on either, people can fill out the relevant form, which can be downloaded from checktheregister. ie, bring it and photo ID to the local garda station where it musts be signed in the presence of a member of An Garda Síochána.
Completed form must be returned to Cork County Council before close of business next Wednesday (January 22).
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, said the crucial point to note was that there was still time for people to register to vote in the election.
“Its up to us as individuals to ensure we are correctly registered to vote and the best way to do that is to check directly with the relevant local authority,” said Minister Murphy.
He said the Government had approved draft legislation aimed at avoiding this issues in the future by creating a ‘rolling register’ that will replace the current system of register and supplement.
DEPUTY Sherlock served on both Mallow Town Council and Cork County Council prior to his election to Dáil Éireann in 2007.
“This will be my fourth Dáil election. I represent the working poor and those people who can’t advocate for themselves,” said Deputy Sherlock.
“There are many people in this constituency who need to have a voice in the Dáil. A lot of people have been bypassed on this journey to economic growth and they are the people that I understand and want to stand up for.”
A FORMER Fermoy and Cork county councillor, Mr O’Driscoll from Rathcormac narrowly lost out on a Dáil seat in the 2011 general election.
“I am unashamedly committed to the promotion of the needs of the people of Cork East,” said Mr O’Driscoll.
“I never make a promise I know I can’t deliver on. I only promise that I will work hard for the people of this constituency. If the people of Cork East elect me as their TD, I will not leave them down.”
DEPUTY O’Keeffe from Mitchelstown served on Cork Council from 1997 prior to his election to the Dáil in 2016.
“It has been a tremendous honour to serve as a local representative for the people of Cork East,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.
“I am never found to be unavailable as I am always out and about and available to the people. I have a true passion and do not see this as a job. Should I be elected it will be my privilege to continue to represent the people of Cork East and rural Ireland.”
ELECTED to Cork County Council at the 2019 local election, Youghal-based Cllr O’Connor was added to the Fianna Fail Cork East ticket last October.
“People should vote for me, if you want to a TD that will go to Leinster House to work hard, to find solutions and to deliver for the constituency of Cork East,” said Cllr O’Connor.
“I will bring the same drive and determination to the role that I am currently doing on Cork County Council. We need new voices in Irish politics.”
THE Midleton based TD was first elected to Dáil Eireann in 1997 and has been re-elected at each general election since.
“I believe I have shown that I am experienced, energetic, innovative and hard-working in all aspects of my work as public representative,” said Deputy Stanton.
“It is a role that I have always found hugely fulfilling as I have been able to make real changes to the lives of individuals and for the wider Cork East community. I would love to be able to continue my work.”
A FORMER Youghal town councillor, Cllr Lenihan Foley has been a member of Cork County Council since 2014.
“I feel that after serving 21years in local politics I have the experience and knowledge to go to the next level,” said Cllr Lenihan Foley.
“I feel I would make a difference as I have worked hard in my local area. I have always been honest and trustworthy and am used to dealing with many issues as I am a full time public representative.”
Deputy Buckley served on Midleton Town Council and Cork County Council prior to his election to the Dáil in 2016.
“As a TD, I have been working hard for the communities of East Cork. I believe that the FG/ FF partnership has failed hard working families in this constituency,” said Deputy Buckley.
“Too many people are being left behind as the cost of living crisis continues. Sinn Féin has the positive policies to deliver a better life for everyone in East Cork and I want to continue to be part of this.”
THE Midleton-based county councillor was elected to Cork County Council at last year’s local elections.
“We need change in Cork East. I am committed to creating a fair society where people can afford a home and where quality health services are a basic right. I will also protect our environment, the foundation of everything,” said Mr Quaide.
“While addressing the housing, health and environmental crises I will also work very hard for the local area.”