Cork North Central

1) Why are you running? 2) If elected, what are you hoping to achieve? 3) Dead or alive, who is your political hero?

Cllr John Maher, Labour

1. I am running as I feel that the last batch of TDs for Cork North Central have not represented us. We have major issues including lack of affordable and social homes, infrastructure issues like no North Ring Road and lack of a hospital on the northside of Cork. We need to look after workers, a living wage needs to be introduced. Communities and people have lost faith in politicians and I hope that I can be a TD that represents all communities in Cork North Central.

2. It is my hope that we build a more equal society. Families need a house to live in and to call it their home. We need to implement the measures to address our climate challenges including retrofitting of houses, a ban on single use plastics and improve public transport, particularly in rural areas of Ireland. We need our loved ones to be in a bed and not a trolley when in hospital and we need to end the massive waiting list times for people waiting on operations.

3. One that stands out to me instantly is Kathleen Lynch, an amazing public representative for Cork North Central. We have come a long way in terms of equality and Kathleen was one of many who led the way, in a time when it wasn’t easy to do so.

Cllr Kenneth O'Flynn, Independent

1. As a Cork City Councillor, I am meeting constituents every day and hearing about the many issues that they face and seeking to resolve them. I want to make a difference to our area and our people and I know I have the ability to be a good and dedicated representative for them.

2. There are so many issues facing our country, and in particular our area here in Cork North Central. From proper healthcare when people need it, to housing for every citizen that needs it, to more gardai on the streets, to the Northern Ring Road and other infrastructure that is so badly needed. I really want to open up the northside of Cork to every bit of opportunity that can benefit the great people that live here. This area has suffered from very poor representation in recent years and I want to go back to the old style of politics that Bernard Allen, Danny Wallace, Mairin Quill, Kathleen Lynch, Noel O' Flynn and others offered to our people, a very personal and dedicated service with delivery.

3. Nelson Mandela is the man that has most inspired me and seeing how he united his nation, made change happen, delivered for his people and brought about a new focus for the time that was and the demands that were made of him, he was a leader and a champion of the people.

Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, Fianna Fáil

1. I am running because I believe the people of Cork North Central need a new voice. A voice that will represent the people, and a voice that will articulate the needs of the communities. I have a proven track record for 16 years as a sitting councillor on Cork City Council, raising awareness on issues such as housing, roads and infrastructure, environment, community and sports. I was very proud to wear the chain of office of Lord Mayor in 2017-2018 and I was privileged to represent the people of Cork locally, nationally and internationally.

2. If elected, key issues for me include housing, crime prevention, elderly support through independent living, services like Meals on Wheels, and community employment schemes that are necessary across the city and county. I have led the campaign on the Northern Ring Road and will continue to fight for this issue as roads and infrastructure investment will help address the gridlock and boost the economy across the city and county.

3. A political hero for me is former taoiseach Jack Lynch. A former North Mon student, like myself, he was much loved for being ‘one of our own’. As a sportsman with Glen Rovers Hurling Club and St Nicholas’ Football Club, Jack Lynch earned a reputation for decency and fair play, characteristics he brought to political life that allowed him to be the much loved, real Taoiseach.

Lorraine O'Neill, Fine Gael

1. I am running as a candidate for General Election because I want to be a part of further positive changes for our communities, our city and Ireland. I believe Cork North Central needs a new energy and drive to the mix of TDs to achieve our goals on a national level. I have been through two unforgettable recessions in my lifetime and saw Fine Gael lift the country back on track, bringing back hope and light into our country. There are two huge stresses for people in life; health and financial and there is a strategic plan in place to continue to address these areas. I have personal objectives including greater focus on mental health, anti-bullying legislation and greater cancer care. I am very eager to drive these forward together with existing objectives for our city.

2. I would like to add a little more empathy and real action into the Dáil. I want retirement age reverted to 65 immediately and, as I said, I would like greater care for cancer patients; automatic medical card, freeze debts. I would like anti-bullying legislation introduced as soon as possible, including online. Further work on infrastructure such as the North Ring Road and motorway to Limerick as well as greater TLC in our communities.

3. Peter Barry. I respect him from a business and political point of view. He had a presence and personality that people listened to. He also had a wonderful vision in business and brought Barry's Tea to a global level.

Cllr Oliver Moran, Green Party

1. In 2019, I was elected a councillor for Cork City North East. I stood for election then because I have a vision and a plan for Cork. I want a place that has a progressive imagination and a living sense of community. Green Party councillors have already made a difference on Cork city and county councils. That’s why I'm standing for election again now. This time, to represent Cork in Leinster House.

2. I want a city and rural community we love to live in, with transport, housing, work and recreation that inspires Cork’s citizens and the world. I want to deal with climate change in a way that’s fair for everyone. I want the right to good quality affordable housing, so that families and communities can thrive and no-one has to face the threat of eviction and the uncertainty of nowhere to go. I want reform of politics, to bring in the energy and passion Cork people have for our city, our countryside and the European Union.

3. Saoi O’Connor and the Cork climate strikers. Observing them develop in skill and determination over the last 12 months is the most inspiring and heartening development in climate action that I can remember. They are only growing as a political and social force. They will be formidable. They don't want people saying how inspiring they are. They want action. That's what makes them heroes to me. Their determination has motivated me to be determined, too, in insisting on climate action within Cork City Council. They can inspire everyone to be just as determined in taking action.

James Coughlan, The Workers Party

1. I believe that most people in this constituency are not being properly represented or listened to. Working class people make up the great majority of people, yet our TDs, for the most part, represent landlords, developers or the well-to-do. They have no concept of how many thousands of people struggle for things like housing, basic healthcare or access to education. I want to do more than just be a voice for them, but to encourage them to become more involved in the decisions that affect their everyday lives.

2. I want to highlight and fight against the huge levels of economic and social deprivation in parts of this constituency. Unemployment is still a reality for many people on Cork’s northside. Many of those who do work are employed in low paid jobs, stuck on zero hour contracts or in the gig economy. The housing crisis is very real and is hurting many people and their families. The only thing being built by Fine Gael’s Rebuilding Ireland strategy is the wealth of the landlords, developers and bankers. Fianna Fáil is the same. I will fight to demand badly needed public housing and oppose further attempts to take away public services or privatise them.

3. One personal hero of mine is Henry Joy McCracken. He was not just a united Irishman who gave his life for liberty, but wanted to unite all the people of this island, regardless of religious or other differences. He recognised the connection between educational disadvantage and lifelong poverty and, along with his sister Mary Ann, he set up a school for the children of the poor to teach them how to read and write. It was McCracken who coined the phrase “the rich always betray the poor” and it is as true today as it was in his time.

Sandra Murphy, Fianna Fáil

1. I was born, raised, and educated in the Cork North Central constituency. I want to represent the interests of our community and bring improvements to our people by helping to deliver what is right and fair. I am passionate and energetic to serve our community and bring experience from my own journey in life, in addition to over 15 years in business. This is my first campaign seeking election to public office. Like many people, I have been irritated by the inertia of the present Government. Their failure in dealing with big issues such as health, housing, homelessness, crime, and the cost of living has been remarkable. Over the last number of days, I have encountered deep levels of despair, frustration, and anger on the doorsteps of my constituents. Cork has suffered as a consequence of empty promises.

2. I have five goals; Improve funding and delivery of healthcare for people in Cork - a Fianna Fáil led Government has committed to increase spending on health. Push for delivery of the city's Housing First and social inclusion agenda to help address our homeless and housing crisis. Ensure garda resourcing and support to drive down crime and make our city safe again. Help to deliver a growing, connected Cork city which is driven by eco-friendly policy. Campaign for proper resourcing of childcare to assist hard pressed families.

3. Constance Markievicz.

Finian Twomey, Aontú

1. I’m running because I think those who are running our country are running it into the ground. Leo’s Ireland doesn’t stretch as far as Cork North Central. We have problems in our local community that need to be tackled urgently. Can you just imagine how the homeless would manage in Cork, for instance, if the likes of Cork Penny Dinners didn’t exist? I cannot bear to think about it. These hard working and genuinely compassionate charities are filling the gaps that our wasteful Government is leaving open; the number of people on trolleys remains stubbornly high with violent crime becoming more vicious. This Government has not been able to solve these issues on a local or national level. I am a full time carer for my wife, and while I am happy and privileged to care for her, who cares about me and the many other dedicated carers? We are saving the state a fortune. Ireland needs a change and Cork needs a candidate who will work hard.

2. Aontú, as a party, believes that people in government must be held accountable when they squander public money, often on vanity projects. A fair deal for farmers who are expected to produce beef at below cost and live on meagre grants, while the cartel of beef processors are being looked after by the cartel government. A commitment to a serious increase in the number of social housing homes being built, and if given the opportunity, we would increase garda numbers with emphasis being on community outreach to start working with young people in the community.

3. Tomas MacCurtain.

Diarmaid Ó Cadhla, Independent

1. I have a lot to contribute. I have been blessed with opportunity, ability and understanding and believe it is my duty to use this talent for good. Doing good means we must challenge the ‘cosy cartel’. I have been doing this for years but would be more effective doing it as a TD. I see honest, hard working people being walked on by rich gangsters. I see self-serving politicians nodding obediently when party head office tells them to, they have guaranteed pensions. I see senior citizens afraid to get sick, I see families broken and I see young people denied a home in their own country.

2. The entire country will know that Cork has a TD that stands up for the people’s rights. I will put in place an effective way so that people can express their will on all the main issues, even outside of election campaigns. Issues such as health, housing, rents, employment, education and the environment all need to be addressed in a pro-people manner, I will facilitate this. I will work to end state funding of political parties and to ensure that all candidates in elections are treated equally. I will challenge the widespread corruption and back-room deals.

3. Without question my heroes are Pádraig Pearse and James Connolly, two men of great principle who gave everything for our country. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha uaisle.

Senator Colm Burke, Fine Gael

1. I am determined to be a strong voice committed to representing the people of Cork North Central. As a Senator, former MEP and lord mayor, I have developed a proven track record, ensuring that the interests of Cork and Ireland have been protected locally, nationally and in Europe. Cork is growing and is fast becoming the economic and cultural hub it should be. To meet Cork’s tremendous potential and to ensure that it is the best place in Ireland to raise a family or start a new business, Cork needs appropriate planning and investment. I believe that I have the qualities to be the best candidate going forward for this election to represent Cork North Central.

2. I am dedicated to delivering for Cork and have been at the forefront of advocating for the needs of our communities, including calling for a new elective hospital to serve our growing population. I have played an active role in championing legislative reform throughout my time in Seanad Éireann, including by sponsoring the Civil Law (Presumption of Death) Act 2019 which came into effect on Friday, 1 November 2019. The health and wellbeing of my constituents has been a top priority throughout my time in politics and, if elected, I hope to continue advocating for our children, parents, families and the vulnerable in society, including by re-introducing the Professional Home Care Bill which I previously proposed to the Seanad in 2016.

3. Michael Collins.

Pádraig O'Sullivan TD, Fianna Fáil

1. I am running as I firmly believe that the electorate want a change of government. The only viable alternative government is a Fianna Fáil led coalition. This Fine Gael government has repeatedly ignored the most vulnerable in our society and the lack of progress on the main social issues such as housing, health, crime and failure to deliver key infrastructure has added to the palpable cynicism among much of the electorate. I'm a hard working experienced candidate, embedded in my community and firmly believe that I can help restore people's faith in our public representatives.

2. For Cork, and particularly Cork North Central, the delivery of key infrastructure such as the North Ring, the Glanmire Flood Relief Scheme and the Dunkettle Interchange needs to be prioritised. Under this Government these projects have been out in the long finger and someone needs to sit at the table that is willing to fight for these projects to be delivered. Our previous Government representatives clearly demonstrated that they did not fight for CNC.

3. Danny Wallace - after witnessing the warmth and respect that the people of Cork North Central have for this man, his family, and all they have achieved for the people of CNC over the decades, I can only hope that I can try to represent the people of the constituency as well as Danny did.

Sinéad Halpin, Social Democrats

1. I'm running because I believe we can do better. The Social Democrats have achievable aims to bring about positive change in the lives of people. The candidates that we have have come from all walks of life and, as a young mother with experiences in the workplace and education, I'm bringing a different perspective than many others on the ballot paper.

2. I want to see Sláintecare implemented, a national rent freeze, housing addressed immediately, building affordable housing on public land and ending the scandal of children growing up in hotel rooms. I think we need to put quality of life at the centre of our decisions. We need the services to support individuals and their families experiencing illness or disability.

3. I very much admire Mary Robinson. In a very different age and political atmosphere she was among those to take the lead on women's rights and continues to speak out on issues worldwide to this day.

Cllr Ger Keohane, Independent

1. I am running so I can give people hope for the future and get social and affordable houses built.

2. If elected, I would introduce a reduction in Poverty Bill.

3. Nelson Mandela was an inspirational politician.

Cllr Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin

1. Eleven years ago I stood for Sinn Féin and I was elected to Cork City Council and I always wanted to progress on to be a TD, to get real change and I really want to make change both nationally and locally. I see that Cork North Central has been completely neglected and abandoned. I want to see that more infrastructure and investment and a fair deal for our community. When you look at other areas you can really see how neglected CNC is and I think people are starting to wake up to that now.

2. My number one issue is housing. I was a councillor in 2009 and I raised the housing issue at the time and I was criticised by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, they said there was no housing crisis, but I could see it then on the ground. Not just social housing but affordable housing for people. Another issue for me is health, the trolley and waiting list crisis. I would like to get more gardaí on the street and more community gardaí to tackle the crime wave going through the city and country at the moment. Another thing which I think people have forgotten about is people with disabilities. Adults with disabilities not being supported by the Government and children waiting years to get an assessment. Children should be assessed within a month if there is concerns.

3. Wolfe Tone, the men and women of 1916 and Bobby Sands and the other hunger strikers and I know that's very republican but they are the people that inspired me. My first campaign was when I was 14 and Mairead Farrell was was running for Sinn Féin and I was handing out leaflets. She was a very influential woman.

TJ Hogan, Independent

1. I am fed up with looking around and seeing more and more problems coming out of the area, rather than problems being fixed. The disadvantages and hardships that I have witnessed growing up on the northside, people have been struggling to push past the hospital crisis, the homeless crisis, anti social behaviour and poverty and the education system has been pushed to one side.

2. If elected, I would make sure to build public housing on public land. Have a one-to-one approach to mental health, funding for counselling should be fully funded by the State at the moment as services like Pieta House are relying on donations. This is a big issue. Families are also in need of support. USC should be scrapped under €35,000. Have a under €40,000 threshold for free GP care. The pension age should be capped at 65. I would take a paycut. The starting rate for a TD now is €96,000, that should be cut to €52,000. New hospitals need to be built. Additional gardaí need to be made available in Cork. Investment in our roads in Cork North Central and free public transport needs to be our main focus if we are ever going to tackle climate change. Legal recognition of members of the traveling community.

3. Nelson Mandela. I have struggled myself with getting equal rights as a member of the travelling community. He is an inspiration.