Possibly four safe seats but who will fill the other two?

By Sean O’Riordan

Monday, May 25, 2009

MICHAEL HEGARTY, the Fine Gael leader on the county council, topped the poll in 2004 with 3,089 first preferences and the Ladysbridge man is expected to be there or there abouts this time out.

Former TD John Mulvihill Snr was second that year (2,891 first preferences) and the Labour flag-bearer is expected to be a safe bet to retain his seat, even if he does have some opposition in his hometown of Cobh.

Noel Collins is the longest-serving county councillor in Cork, with more than 30 years under his belt. It’s remarkable that the Independent doesn’t drive, doesn’t have a landline, a mobile phone or fax. Yet he puts himself out there. He came in third last time out (2,977 FPs) and is expected to be re-elected with ease.

Barbara Murray, the FG representative from Youghal, is an able speaker and looks good to hold on, consolidating her position in 2004 when she grabbed the last seat.

They should be the four safe seats in this six-seater constituency. But who will fill the other two?

Sandra McLellan has taken over the SF banner from the retiring Martin Hallinan, who made history in 2004 by becoming the first member of his party to sit on the county council since the 1920s.

McLellan, an active trade unionist and also from Youghal, is expected to be in with a very good chance of getting one of the remaining two seats.

Maurice Ahern, an auctioneer from Midleton is the FF flag-bearer. Although he’s the brother of TD and former junior minister Michael Ahern, he could struggle to maintain his hold on power.

The threat comes from a number of quarters. Ted Murphy, also based in Midleton and a former county councillor, is running as an independent.

He polled 1,608 first preferences last time, but failed to get the last seat as transfers brought in Barbara Murray.

Sean O’Connor, who is also running again, got 1,652 first preferences in 2004. But the Cobhman also suffered the same fate when transfers were divvied out.

Will the pop star factor help Cobh-based Sinead Sheppard (FG)? The former Six star is doing well, according to party sources, but she will have to put in the performance of her life to upset the status quo.

Mary Linehan-Foley (FF), who is Youghal-based and the daughter of legendary vote-getter Paddy Linehan, will be hoping to break the mould, but is ranked as an outsider.

So, too, Michael Martin, the former navy man is best known for running the Titanic Trail in Cobh.

The Green Party is running Malachy Harty, a 29-year-old UCC student who comes from Midleton. The Greens have never broken through in this constituency and he is unlikely to change that trend.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, May 25, 2009