Campaign lift off for Peter O'Donoghue
Bartlemy's Peter O'Donoghue is standing as an independent candidate in this summer's local elections. The professional blocklayer and prominent activist will attempt to win a seat in the Fermoy Electoral Area. While attempting to dislodge established personalities won't be easy, Peter was upbeat at last Friday night's campaign launch in The Corbett Court, Kilworth.
"Anyone who knows me, knows that when I commit to something, I go for it 100%, that's the way I'm approaching the campaign. I will hit the ground running and give it my all," he told the sizeable crowd in attendance.
ENDORSED BY MATTIE MCGRATH
Diarmuid Ó Cadhla, himself a local election candidate, was MC, with special guest being outspoken south Tipperary T.D., Mattie McGrath. Mattie said he had monitored Peter's progress in recent years and was impressed by what he saw and heard.
"I would describe Peter as a man of integrity, who, because of his rural background and work experience, understands people. This man has been on farms and building sites all his life, he has an appreciation for the concerns of the working man and woman and will do a very good job representing their interests. Too many people involved in politics have lost touch with what I call, bread and butter issues," Mattie said.
Mattie branded the main political parties as 'wedded to the party whip system' and only interested in maintaining the status quo.
"I'm up there (in the Dáil) every other day and can see it for myself, it's all about toing the line and doing what you're told. For myself it can be frustrating getting things done, however, I think the voice of independents is important and the more independents we can elect, the better. The country needs more people like Peter O'Donoghue, he would be a breath of fresh air," Deputy McGrath said.
HOTEL & UPGRADED SEWERAGE SCHEME ARE PRIORITIES
Under the heading of 'key priorities', Peter said providing Fermoy with a hotel is top of the list.
"It's quite an extraordinary situation that a prominent town like Fermoy has no hotel, it's a huge loss. Presently, you can't host an event in Fermoy, because you don't have a suitable venue. In fact, there's almost no accommodation for people who want to visit the town, why it hasn't been a priority for public representatives is beyond me," he said.
He went on to say that failure to upgrade the existing sewerage system in Mitchelstown was hampering development.
"Mitchelstown is being held back because of an inadequate sewerage system, this situation must be addressed. It's a shame that such an important issue is being put on the long finger, it has to be faced up to as a matter of urgency," he declared.
'NO CONNECTION WITH RURAL PEOPLE'
On the night, Newcastle native Deputy McGrath reserved his most caustic remarks for Sinn Féin, viewed by many as the Government in waiting.
"I see these fellas all the time, they (Sinn Féin TDs) have no connection with rural people, they've never sat a spud or spent a day thinning turnips. I often talk about rural issues in the Dáil and recall the days of threshings and the meitheal, they've no idea what I'm talking about, they don't really have a clue," he said.
PETER READY TO RUMBLE
Peter has already started canvassing and is looking forward to meeting as many people as possible. He has also finalised his campaign song, a version of the popular ballad 'The Bould O'Donoghue'. Last Friday night certainly set the right tone and you were left with the impression that Peter O'Donoghue, will leave no stone unturned in his bid for a seat on Cork County Council.