Fianna Fáil candidate says he will give up €16k salary if elected

FIANNA FÁIL local election candidate Dr John Sheehan has claimed he will give up his right to the €16,000 financial windfall first year salary he is entitled to if elected to Cork City Council next month.

In an attempt to gain support for his election hopes the Cork North West candidate, who earlier this month was accused of foul play when he put up his election posters before the official deadline, has promised the salary funds to a day care centre for the elderly in Farranree or a drug and alcohol project in Knocknaheeny should he win a council seat.

And calling on other candidates in the area to follow his lead, the Fianna Fáil representative said it was essential to show that politicians were not involved in a private money-making industry.

“I think as local candidates and potentially public representatives, we all need to do our part to help the city in these difficult economic times.

“That is why I am willing to give my first year’s salary back to Cork City Council if elected, and I would also encourage my fellow candidates throughout the city to promise to give up their salaries for one year,” said Dr Sheehan.

“It will help the city make a substantial saving in the very difficult economic climate and would allow them to spend the funding on more deserving areas,” he added.

The gesture comes after Dr Sheehan had to take down up to 70 posters which had been put up while the election poster ban was still in place. After a number of complaints by locals who had seen the posters near Sunday’s Well and Knocknaheeny, the candidate was contacted by council officials who ordered him to take them down.

Speaking after the situation emerged, Dr Sheehan said it was “an error” on his part.

“I thought all the other candidates would also be putting up their posters. I have spoken to the council and have agreed to take them down,” he said.

City councillor and former Fianna Fáil member Dave McCarthy, who is also running in the North West ward, said he was being penalised because he did not breach the deadline.

“It seems everyone else broke the rules and put up their posters last night. There is now no spot for me on the poles because I played by the rules,” he said.