Independents and Sinn Féin eye election wins

Independents and Sinn Féin are likely to be the biggest winners come next year’s local elections in Co Cork.

Non-party candidates made gains at the last election and hold six of the 48 seats on the county council.

Candidates from established parties widely believe non-party or new groupings’ numbers will increase post-Jun 2014, especially as the council is to be expanded to 55 seats.