East Cork loses another 'stellar' councillor
A second East Cork county councillor in the space of two weeks has announced they will not be running in the next local elections.
In a heartfelt social media post, Fine Gael’s Susan McCarthy said her decision not to run again is one she has “not taken lightly”.
Ms McCarthy said she had deliberated over the decision for six months and that ultimately it came down to the toll the job has taken on both herself and her family in terms of time, energy, health, and well-being.
She said she also had to deal with some health issues over the last number of years which has made her rethink her work life balance.
“The workload has increased exponentially since I took up my seat almost 10 years ago and the onslaught of social media and a pressured 24/7 working environment has been difficult to manage at times,” wrote the councillor.
She added: “All of that notwithstanding, becoming a public representative for our community and our county has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.”
Ms McCarthy paid tribute to her colleagues in Fine Gael and throughout Cork County Council.
“It has been such a pleasure and honour working with you all and so many of you have become firm, lifelong friends. I also wish to thank the councillors past and present, from all parties and none, across Cork county and the entire country, whom I have collaborated so well with and had so many belly laughs with, over the last two terms,” said Cllr McCarthy.
Her announcement follows news that fellow East Cork councillor Danielle Twomey of Sinn Féin would also not be running in next year’s elections.
Responding to Cllr McCarthy’s announcement, East Cork Independent Cllr Liam Quaide said he didn't think he'd be paying tribute to two outstanding colleagues in less than two weeks.
“Susan has been a stellar public representative for East Cork. She has a deep personal connection with Midleton and the wider constituency and has served her community over many years with passion and conviction,” wrote Cllr Quaide.