By Tara Maher
Local Councillor Úna McCarthy has been selected to represent in Fine Gael Cork South Central in the upcoming general election.
Cllr. McCarthy will be running alongside City councillor Shane O’Callaghan as the two hope to retain Simon Coveney's seat and add a second TD in a five-seat constituency.
Their selection came at the selection convention, which was held in the International Hotel in the Airport Business Park last night.
Senator Jerry Buttimer, Cllr. Des Cahill, Cllr. Shane O’Callaghan, Cllr Úna McCarthy, and John Mullins all put their name in the hat to replace Coveney but its Cllrs. O'Callaghan and McCarthy who will have their names on the ballot.
However, Cllr. McCarthys draft into national politics came as no surprise as it was agreed at Fine Gaels Árd Fheis that a candidate had to come from the Carrigaline area.
With Cllr. Jack White announcing last week that he was committing to local politics, the batton would be given to Cllr. McCarthy.
Ms McCarthy said following her selection that her life experiences meant she is a strong voice for Cork's South Central constituency.
“There are many challenges that I see as a mother, teacher, and councillor. These include the cost of living, childcare and housing pressures and increased mental health issues on our young people.”
To date, Fine Gael has now chosen 24 general election candidates across 15 constituencies.
Cllr. McCarthy is set to run against Fianna Fáil's Cllr. Seamus McGrath, for the second time this year. It is believed that Cllr. McGrath is set to seek his party’s nomination to contest the next election. Cllr. McGrath who is currently the deputy county mayor, received the most first preference votes for any candidate across the country in last months local elections.
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