SF choose Pat Buckley to run in Cork East after Sandra McLellan drops out

Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Buckley has been selected to contest the General Election in Cork East.

His selection follows the decision of sitting TD Sandra McLellan not to contest the next election.

Cllr Buckley was chosen at a selection convention in Little Island this afternoon.

He has paid tribute to Deputy McLellan for her years of hard work as a TD.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said he was sorry to hear that Ms McLellan decided not to contest the selection convention.

He said: "Sandra is a valued member of the Sinn Féin Oireachtas team and no doubt that this was a difficult decision for her. I wish her and her family well and I thank Sandra for her contribution to Sinn Féin.

"Sandra can be extremely proud of her work over the past four-and-half years as TD for Cork East and I hope that she will continue to make an important contribution over the remainder of this Dáil term.

"The life of a public representative can be very difficult at times but I am pleased, despite her decision not to stand again, that Sandra has expressed her support for Councillor Pat Buckley who has been selected as the Sinn Féin candidate for Cork East.

"Sinn Féin's focus now returns to the important job of articulating our political message of equality and fairness throughout East Cork.

"Our aim is to retain this Sinn Féin seat and to continue the work Sandra did for Sinn Féin and the people of Cork East."