People Before Profit's Cork local and European launch deemed a success

People Before Profit, who held their local and European launch on Monday, April 29th, are reporting the launch as a success. The event, held in the Maldron Hotel, Shandon, featured former Limerick city Councillor Cian Prendiville, the PBP candidate for the Ireland South constituency for the European Parliament, as well as Shane Laird, City Council candidate for the Cork City South Central ward and Rola Abu Zeid O'Neill, County Council candidate for the Cobh electoral area.

IRELAND SOUTH CANDIDATE

Each candidate brought their own perspective to this discussion, with Mr Prendiville explaining that he would use his platform as an MEP "as an organiser, just like I used my platform in Limerick City Council to help organise the anti-water charges movement, I'll use my position in the European Parliament to help organise against issues such as the attack on our neutrality and the ongoing genocide in Gaza”.

CORK CITY SOUTH CENTRAL

Shane Laird explained how his campaign has been informed by what he has found while canvassing.

“Just a complete lack of important maintenance being done and people feeling like the city government has abandoned them, as well as a public transport network not fit for purpose and property after property lying empty, during the worst housing crisis in the history of the state."

COBH ELECTORAL AREA

Rola Abu Zeid O'Neill spoke about the extreme lack of school spaces in the east Cork area, as well as the importance of turning out to vote. Rola, who is a Palestinian originally from Nazareth, emphasised in particular that young people and people from a migrant background vote.

"If you’re angry, if you feel the country isn't working, then one of the first steps you can take is registering to vote and then turning up on polling station and voting for change".

There was also audience contribution throughout the event, with attendees discussing everything from Palestine to housing to the lack of venues to go to late in the evening that don't involve buying a pint.

(Pic: Alan Place) Pictured are Munster and Ireland rugby legend Keith Earls, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award, with Bridget Finucane and Mary O’Brien, Milford Care Centre, Limerick Person of the Year 2023.

Rola Abu Zeid O’Neill, a candidate for People Before Profit in the Cobh electoral area.

Cian Prendiville, PBP’s candidate for the Ireland South constituency.

Shane Laird, People Before Profit’s candidate in Cork City South Central.