FF looks to new blood on council

THE political beheading of the Fianna Fáil hierarchy on Cork County Council has left the party badly wounded and the race is on to find a new leader and party secretary.

The unexpected defeat of Bantry-based Vivian O'Callaghan meant FF lost one of its longest-serving members and its leader on the local authority. The party's second-in-charge, Dunmanway-based Tom O'Neill, also fell victim to an electorate bent on showing the Government it wasn't happy.

If Barry Cogan had survived he would probably have been the natural successor to Vivian O'Callaghan. However, the Carrigaline-based former TD also got the chop.

The party dropped from having 19 representatives on the 48-seater council to just 16 believed to be an all-time low.

A number of names have been mentioned for top spot with favourite Belgooly-based councillor Alan Coleman. The 47-year-old was first elected to Cork County Council in 1991 and has a lot of support among colleagues.

He was re-elected to serve the Bandon area and confirmed he will seek the post when party members meet to discuss the issue next Monday afternoon at County Hall.

"I believe I have sufficient experience now. The party needs to be rejuvenated and I have the necessary drive and ability," Mr Coleman said.

He pointed out that with some of the elder statesmen removed from the party it had taken on a more youthful look.

"While we are now a smaller party we have a much younger age profile and there will be an energy and dynamism among us," Mr Coleman said.

Other names mentioned are Donal O'Rourke from Clonakilty, Maurice Ahern from Midleton and Douglas-based Deirdre Forde.

Ms Forde refused to comment on whether or nor she would throw her hat into the ring.

"I believe there are a number of potentially good candidates and we will have to see who goes forward," she said.

Last night Cllr Frank O'Flynn, who many suspected might seek the position, ruled himself out of contention. "A few members of the party had approached me, but I will not be putting my name forward as leader of the party in County Hall.

"The overall result was very poor for Fianna Fáil and it was a major shock to lose some of our big hitters like Vivian, Tom and Barry. Therefore it's very important that we pick the right leader," Mr O'Flynn said.