Former Cork lord mayor Mick Finn announces bid to run for Dáil seat
Former Independent councillor Mick Finn speaking at the launch of the Glen Resource and Sports Centre Wellness Room last May. Picture: Darragh Kane
Former lord mayor and Cork city councillor Mick Finn is set to run for a Dáil seat in Cork South Central.
Mr Finn, 52, who stood down as an Independent city councillor after 15 years just before the local elections in June, will run as an independent candidate in the same constituency which is represented today by Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin; former finance minister and Ireland’s nominee to the EU Commission, Michael McGrath; former Tánaiste and Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney; and Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, the party’s spokesperson on social protection.
It is thought there may be opportunities for change in the constituency in the next election, as it is set to increase from a four- to a five-seater. Additionally, Mr McGrath is set to become an EU Commissioner and there are question marks over whether Mr Coveney will run again.
Mr Finn has stood in the constituency twice before without success — in the 2011 general election when it was a five-seater and in 2016 when it was a four-seater.
But he was successful in his three local election campaigns, and he topped the poll in 2014 and 2019 when he garnered the highest percentage vote across the city.
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He said while it seems that many of those currently elected to the Dáil to represent Cork South Central are jumping ship, he has decided to put his hat in the ring in a bid to work for people on the ground and give them a strong voice in Dublin.
“I want to step up for Cork, not step out,” he said.
“I realise it’s a big ask for an independent to get elected in this constituency — it has never happened previously — but it’s now a five-seater and with two of the three sitting TDs likely not to run, there may be a gap.
Working as a Youthwork Service Manager with Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) and having worked with young people and families in a variety of roles for over 20 years, Mr Finn said he believes he has a lot to offer in national government.
“In my role as a city councillor and working in schools and youth services with families and communities, I have a good idea of the everyday issues affecting people regarding access to housing and basic health services, cost-of-living issues, and deficits in our communities including transport and leisure infrastructure,” he said.
“My goal, if elected, would be to deliver on these issues for Cork.
“I received great support as a local councillor, particularly in my year as lord mayor [2018/2019], which was just such a special honour: hopefully I can do it justice again as a general election candidate.
“I stepped away from the city council to give this some consideration and time, and I believe it's possible.”
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