‘David and Goliath’ fight in Cork South Central

An Independent Cork city councillor has announced his attempt to “upset the formbook” by becoming the first Independent TD for Cork.

Mick Finn has announced his intention to contest the upcoming general election in Cork South Central, a constituency he describes as the “group of death”.

He is pitting himself against the likes of senior cabinet minister Simon Coveney, Fianna Fáil party leader Micheál Martin, Fine Gael chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee Jerry Buttimer, and Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath.

Mr Finn said he is “realistic about his prospects”.

“If this was a World Cup, Cork South Central would be dubbed the ‘group of death’,” he said. “It’s a David and Goliath struggle, but it’s worth a go.

“I am putting my name forward to give voters a non-party option like most other constituencies in the country.

“I was re-elected to Cork City Council in 2014, topping the poll, which I think was a reflection of what I tried to do during my first term there.”

He said he will contest the election “off his own bat, and with his own limited resources”.

Mr Finn said he does “subscribe to the ethos of the Independent Alliance fronted by Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, and others”.

This will be Mr Finn’s second tilt at a general election, having thrown his hat in the ring in 2010.