Oldest and youngest battle it out for seat on Cork City Council

Ted Tynan's running mate is 21-year-old Rachel Hurley Roche, who is 60 years his junior

Workers Party candidates Rachel Hurley and Ted Tynan at the count centre at City Hall, Cork, on Saturday. Picture: Larry Cummins

Battling it out for a seat in the Cork North East local electoral area (LEA) is one of Ireland’s oldest candidates, long-time politician and councillor Ted Tynan, who is hoping for another term on Cork City Council.

At 81 years of age, Mr Tynan says he has “no interest” in slowing down as he awaits the election results, with initial tallies putting the Workers' Party candidate in a battle for two remaining seats.

With a political career spanning five decades, Mr Tynan was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979, serving one term before his return in 2009, which he has retained up until 2024.

If successful, the Mayfield candidate will embark on his fifth term, making him one of the oldest local councillors in the country.

Despite this, Mr Tynan said he is ready for another five years, telling the Irish Examiner that “age is just a number on the door".

“It doesn’t bother me, I just take each day as it comes. I have enough energy to keep me going for several more years," he said.

Ted Tynan says he is inspired by young people like Rachel Hurley coming into the party. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Workers' Party councillor has made a name for himself in Cork city for playing an active role in local housing campaigns, the fight against water charges, and anti-war movements.

In 1991, Mr Tynan made headlines after being jailed for refusing to pay water charges.

More than 20 years later, he was once again arrested alongside fellow Council member and now TD, Mick Barry for starting an occupation in the Bank of Ireland branch on Patrick Street in protest of executive salaries.

“I’ve had an extremely fulfilling career during my time in politics — hopefully that can continue,” Mr Tynan said.

“There are still many issues concerning the working class people of this city — the need for housing, the privatisation of water, and demand for education facilities, and I want to continue doing what I do.

I know we are in a fight for the seat between two candidates but we are optimistic that the transfers will come through.” 

Mr Tynan is joined by fellow Workers' Party member Rachel Hurley, who is running in the Cork City South East LEA.

At just 21 years old, Ms Hurley is the youngest candidate fighting for a seat on Cork City Council.

While it may be her first time on the ballot, she said she couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.

Ms Hurley said: “When you have a focus on class politics rather than the issues facing just one demographic, you realise that people of all ages are dealing with the same problems.

“Issues such as privatisation, water and dereliction know no bound in terms of age.”

With more young people joining the party, Mr Tynan said he is inspired by the new generation.

“I am absolutely thrilled — it is like a breath of fresh air that young people like Rachel are coming into the party.

“It takes such courage to run in an election, especially at such a young age, but I am so enthusiastic about the party’s future.”