Joe O'Brien launches election bid in Glanworth
There was standing room only at Joe O’Brien’s election campaign launch night in O’Donnell’s Bar, Glanworth last Saturday. Sinn Féin candidate Joe, who has lived in Mitchelstown for 30 years but is a Glanworth native, is standing in the upcoming local elections in the Fermoy Local Electoral Area.
The campaign kicked off in swinging style with a packed night of music, food and fun with friends and supporters. Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Féin vice-president, also beamed in via a prerecorded message to wish Joe all the best on the night and in the campaign. Ms O’Neill was of course born in Fermoy and often refers to her proud Cork and Tyrone roots.
The mood at the launch was upbeat, with a mixed crowd in attendance. Many party supporters attended, along with others who know Joe from his extensive involvement in GAA and in the local community.
Mr O’Brien’s speech on the night made reference to the tremendous support he has felt from the community and, of course, his family, but also highlighted the issues that are most visible on the streets of our villages and towns, and that is of dereliction, of vacant properties and poor standards in general maintenance.
“Tidy Towns and community councils in towns and villages are doing sterling work in brightening up our local environments, but the county council needs to do more around infrastructure and more to support community volunteers,” said Mr O’Brien.
“It is incredibly frustrating to hear about housing difficulties on the doors (canvassing) and then walk past vacant and derelict buildings that are being allowed to fall into the ground around the corner from people who have real housing needs. In fact, it’s those issues that I am contacted most frequently about. The council needs to step up and be more responsive. Communities need support”.
While Joe’s campaign official launched last Saturday, he has assured the public that he nearly has one pair of shoes worn out so far since be started his canvassing and leaflet drop campaigns, with teams out at least once a week across the district. No fear though, as a new pair of boots were bought last week for the eight weeks that remain before polling day! Local elections will be held across the country on 7th June, and the local Sinn Féin candidate is encouraging everyone to check the register and to use their vote.