‘This isn’t the end’ for outgoing county councillor
An East Cork councillor has bid an honest and heartfelt farewell to Cork County Council with the announcement that she will not be running for re-election.
Midleton Cllr Danielle Twomey (Sinn Féin) broke the unexpected news via a recent social media post.
In the post, Ms Twomey notes a number of reasons for her decision including the personal impact of the recent devastating flooding in her local area, which she described as “the worst week and a half of my professional career and personal life”.
“For a long time, I have felt that I needed a break from politics,” wrote Cllr Twomey.
“I’ve missed so much of my family life already, I’ve missed first steps, I’ve missed big moments, and I’ve missed opportunities to connect with my children,” she added.
Cllr Twomey, who was co-opted to Cork County Council in 2016 to replace newly elected Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley, said the recent floods made her realise what was most important in her life.
“So, I’ve decided I won’t be running for elections next year. I’ve wanted to step down for a while, but this has made the decision easier for me,” the post continued.
“This last year I’ve experienced issues relating to my position that have made me question whether this is the right career for me, from online harassment, that still continues, to undermining and backhanded moves from certain members of my own party against me.
“And honestly, it’s affected me mentally and has tarnished this whole experience for me.
“However, I’ve had the most amazing support also and I’ve made the most brilliant friends that I will always hold dear to my heart,” added Ms Twomey.
Cllr Twomey said she will continue in her seat until the new year when her party will be in a position to co-opt a replacement.
“It’s been the biggest honour of my life and I appreciate every single person that supported me, voted for me, and has defended me,” wrote the councillor.
“This isn’t the end for me, I no doubt will return to politics in the future, but my heart is in the activism and my heart is in the community and I will continue to serve the community in a volunteer capacity.”
Responding to the announcement, Independent East Cork Cllr Liam Quaide said he was shocked to see such an exceptional public representative step down.
“I think there is a very good chance Danielle would have topped the poll in the next election, such is her diligence, the range of her work and the massive respect she has built up in East Cork since she entered politics,” he said.