Independent councillor joins Aontú

County councillor Peter O’Donoghue made his first speech as an Aontú representative this week at a full meeting of the council in City Hall.

He becomes Aontú’s ninth councillor but the first in Cork. He joined the party on 15 January and attended his first council meeting as a party member on Monday.

Cllr Peter O’Donoghue said he found his ‘clan' in Aontú. “I am absolutely honoured to be here today representing my constituents and representing Aontú and all that it stands for.

“I know that so many of you were surprised to see me joining a political party as opposed to continuing on as an independent but I realised that for me to achieve my political goals on my own as an independent was impossible. I had to unite and join forces with like-minded individuals.

“I was totally disillusioned with party politics as I didn't get into politics to become a career politician, I didn't get into politics to fall into line, I got into politics bring real representation to the people of my constituency and to try and change the direction in which our country is heading. I needed a party that would align with those values. Aontú is that party.”

Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín welcomed Aontú’s newest elected representative.

“Cllr O’Donoghue is a fantastic community activist who has already made a significant impact at Cork County Council on behalf of his constituents.

“Peter is a man of integrity, conviction and hard work. Peter did really well in the last local elections achieving over 1,700 first preference and transfer votes, despite the fact that it was his first time contesting those elections,” he added.