Second TD in constituency will not seek re-election

THE political landscape of the Cork South-West constituency has changed forever following the announcement a second long-serving TD will not seek re-election.

Just a week after Bandon- based Fine Gael TD Jim O’Keeffe said he was to retire from the Dáil, it has been confirmed his party colleague Paddy Sheehan is also quitting public life.

The Mizen peninsula- based TD has written to dozens of the party faithful informing them of his decision to retire after serving 24 years in the Dáil.

Mr Sheehan was unavailable for comment yesterday but advised FG activists: “It would be in the best interests of Fine Gael, and myself, if I was to pass on the mantle to the next generation.”

With a declaration convention for potential Dáil candidates in the Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway tomorrow night, Deputy Sheehan announced: “I will not be putting my name forward.”

The 77-year-old has been involved with the Fine Gael party for 50 years.

He was first elected to Cork County Council in 1967 and served on it for 40 years until 2007 when his son, Dermot, took over as a result of an Oireachtas ruling on the dual mandate.

A former auctioneer, shopkeeper and farmer by profession, Mr Sheehan was first elected to the Dáil in 1981 and retained his seat up to 2002. In 2007 he won the seat in 2007.

His political longevity owes much to his wife, Frances, who is widely respected as key part of his political machine.

The politician has three daughters and a son. It is believed he will seek to get his son Dermot added to the Fine Gael ticket, in the hope a Sheehan dynasty will continue.

However, Goleen-based Cllr Sheehan is expected to face stiff opposition from County Hall colleagues.

Five other elected members will put their names forward.

They include the Mayor of Co Cork, Clonakilty- based Cllr Jim Daly who many believe could be the natural successor to Jim O’Keeffe. A former school principal, Mr Daly has been a full-time public representative for the past six years.

Cllr John O’Sullivan, a farmer from Courtmacsherry and Cllr Kevin Murphy, a full time local politician from Kinsale, will also be hoping to get the nod.

Dermot Sheehan, meanwhile, will face opposition on the western side of from Beara’s Cllr Noel Harrington and Mary Hegarty from Bantry.

Cllr Harrington, a 39-year-old father-of-three is postmaster in Castletownbere and hotly tipped as a future TD.