The race to replace Simon Coveney: Where does Fine Gael go next?
Fine Gael candidate John Mullins with Simon Coveney TD pictured ahead of submitting nomination papers. Picture: Brian Lougheed
The race to replace Simon Coveney as the Fine Gael candidate in Cork South Central is on, after the longtime TD prepares to step down at the next general election.
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 Coveney said he came to the view âsome time ago that itâs time for me to step out of politicsâ, while saying it was an âextraordinary privilegeâ to serve as a TD for 26 years.
With the former tĂĄnaiste now stepping down, there are six candidates seeking to replace him on the ballot in Cork South Central, including former MEP candidate John Mullins.
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.
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Mr Mullins said he was planning to base himself in Bishopstown, having grown up there and adding his parents still live in the area.
He said he would be able to ârepresent the interests of Cork South Centralâ on a national level, regardless of whether Fine Gael was in Government or opposition.
Mr Mullins paid tribute to Mr Coveney, saying the former TĂĄnaiste had done a âfantastic job on behalf of Cork and his countryâ.
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.
Mr O'Callaghan said he believed he had the right âskillset and knowhowâ to be Fine Gaelâs candidate in the upcoming election.
âI believe Iâm best placed to win a seat for Fine Gael in the constituency,â Mr OâCallaghan said.
The Cork City councillor also paid tribute to Mr Coveney, describing him as a âgiant of Cork and national politicsâ.
Fine Gaelâs Des Cahill is also contesting the convention, having recently written to local party members seeking their support.
In the letter, Mr Cahill cites he has âconsistently securedâ the highest Fine Gael vote in the South-East local electoral area since 2009.
âMost of all I have grown up in a Fine Gael household and the Fine Gael legacy is deeply engrained within me. I understand where we Fine Gael members have come from traditionally and I feel that I have more to give the party as it goes further into the future,â he wrote.
Seanad Cathaoirleach and former TD for the constituency Jerry Buttimer has also confirmed he is contesting the selection convention, saying he wants to serve voters as the TD for Cork South Central.
He cited his 17 years' experience within the Oireachtas, while also paying tribute to Mr Coveney for his âdedicationâ throughout his career.
Speculation has also focused on two other councillors: Ăna McCarthy and Jack White.
Ms McCarthy said she was yet to make a decision on whether or not to run, saying she wanted to consult with a number of people first.
Mr White has also yet to decide, saying he would take until Friday to make a final decision.
However, he said regardless of who receives the nomination, Mr Coveneyâs Carrigaline and Crosshaven base must be retained due to the large vote garnered there.
He also paid tribute to Mr Coveney, having worked with him as a parliamentary assistant and councillor.
The selection convention is due to take place on July 23.
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