Who will replace Simon Coveney in Cork South Central?
Simon Coveney with former MEP candidate John Mullins. Picture: Brian Lougheed
Up to six candidates are in contention to replace Simon Coveney as the Fine Gael nominee in Cork South Central at the next election, including the former MEP candidate John Mullins.
In a letter to the party's organisation in Cork South Central on Wednesday, Mr Coveney announced he would be standing down as TD at the next election.
Mr Mullins, who was unsuccessful as an Ireland South candidate in the recent European elections, is set to contest the Fine Gael selection convention in the former Tánaiste's constituency.
It is understood Mr Mullins had been considering whether or not to run in Cork East or Cork South Central, before deciding on the latter.
There is also a multitude of local councillors who are interested in getting on the ticket, including Shane O'Callaghan, who confirmed after his re-election to Cork City Council he was seeking the nomination.
Scroll for results in your area
The convention to determine who will be the Fine Gael nominee for Cork South Central is due to take place on July 23.
Other candidates looking for the party's nod include Cllr Des Cahill and Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer, who was a TD in the constituency between 2011 and 2016.
It is expected both councillors Úna McCarthy and Jack White will put their names forward, ahead of the close of nominations this Friday.
In announcing his decision to step down, Mr Coveney said being elected for 26 years “has been the privilege of my life”.
“I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South Central have put in me. Now is the right time for renewal in Fine Gael and for me to change direction,” he said in a statement.
He did not reveal what he would be doing instead, but said he was to “step out of politics”.
“I’ve loved almost every day of public life. I’ve had opportunities in politics that I could never have dreamed possible before 1998; as a councillor, a TD, a minister and as a Tánaiste.”
Mr Coveney stood aside as minister for enterprise in April as Simon Harris became Taoiseach and the new leader of Fine Gael.
“I wouldn’t be leaving if I didn’t believe the future was bright,” Mr Coveney said.
“Right across the country, we saw new candidates emerge in the recent local elections. Our party is strong and ambitious, our new leader has brought an energy that is reinvigorating the organisation at every level.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
