Barbecue opportunity to grill Fine Gael politicians

A BUTCHER has invited the public to a barbecue to grill Fine Gael politicians.

They will also be invited to put suggestions in a comment box which will be delivered directly to party leader Enda Kenny to help shape party policy ahead of the next general election.

The event is the brainchild of Cork city councillor Des Cahill, who manages his own business, Cahill’s Butchers and Caterers.

He has organised the “share your view” event at Blackrock Castle in Cork between 6pm and 10pm on September 15.

“This event is designed to be an informal, interactive, social occasion, for both party members and also non-members, to come and meet with their local Fine Gael TDs, senators and councillors, and voice their opinions,” he said.

“Fine Gael wants to listen and learn from grassroots party members, and to communicate the message back to party headquarters where ultimately your suggestions will help shape our party policy.

“Enda is personally endorsing this open barbecue forum which will empower all constituents and party members, and give them the opportunity to make their voice known in Dáil Éireann.”

Tickets cost €6, to cover costs, and the event can cater for up to 300 people.

Meanwhile, Mr Cahill, 40, confirmed last night that he is putting his name forward for selection by the party as one of Fine Gael’s candidates in Cork South Central for the next general election.

He faces stiff competition from sitting TDs Deirdre Clune and Simon Coveney, and Senator Jerry Buttimer.

Mr Cahill was elected to the city council last summer topping the poll in the south east ward.

He admitted he faces a battle to be selected by the party, but pointed out that as a relative newcomer to politics, he comes with “little baggage”.

He said he has in his first year delivered on his election pledge to secure the regeneration of old Blackrock Village. He sits on the Cork Marketing Partnership, Cork Docklands, Recreation and Amenity and the Environment committees, and has taken a lead role on the issue of councillors’ expenses. “I believe publicly elected representatives should demonstrate greater leadership by re-addressing the entire expense system,” he said.

Mr Cahill established his Cahill’s Butchers and Caterers in 1991, at the age of 21. He is married to Ankie Janssen and the couple have two children, Isabel, eight, and David, six.