Five candidates aiming to contest next election for Fine Gael in Cork South Central

Simon Coveney had held a Cork South Central seat for 26 years. File photo

Five candidates have put their names forward to contest the next election for Fine Gael in Cork South Central, following Simon Coveney’s decision to step down.

Former MEP candidate John Mullins, Senator Jerry Buttimer, and councillors Shane O’Callaghan, Des Cahill, and Úna McCarthy will all fight for the shot at Mr Coveney’s seat, which he held for 26 years.

Nominations closed on Friday for the upcoming selection convention, which will take place on July 23.

Mr Mullins, who received over 44,000 first-preference votes in the Ireland South constituency, confirmed that he would contest earlier this week. The Irish Examiner first reported last week that Mr Mullins was interested in contesting the seat, having considered running in East Cork initially.

Mr Mullins said that he planned to base himself in Bishopstown, having grown up in the area and adding that his parents still live there. He would be able to “represent the interests of Cork South Central” in the Dáil if elected, Mr Mullins said.

Mr O’Callaghan has said that he believes he is “best placed” to win a seat for Fine Gael in the upcoming election, while Mr Cahill presented his electoral record in the South-East Cork City LEA as reason to select him.

Meanwhile, Ms McCarthy only confirmed that she was planning to contest the selection convention on Friday.

However, Carrigaline councillor Jack White will not contest the selection convention, despite speculation that he would step in due to his role as Mr Coveney’s parliamentary assistant.

Mr White said that he would instead be focusing on his current role as a Fine Gael councillor and consolidating his position in Carrigaline. He had previously urged whoever does win the nomination to ensure that Mr Coveney’s existing voter base in Carrigaline and Crosshaven is retained by the party.

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It is currently unclear how many candidates Fine Gael headquarters will ask the local party organisation to select on the night. 

Some sources have speculated that they could only seek to select one candidate on the night, but add a further two candidates to the ticket closer to the election.

Fine Gael has set a deadline of September 22 for all local party organisations to complete their selection conventions by, which fuelled speculation about the possibility of an early election.

“This is to ensure that new candidates have ample opportunity to prepare, receive training, and build profiles in advance of the general election which is due on or before March 22, 2025,” a party spokesperson said.

The party is also shortly due to hold a selection convention in Cork East, with Mark Stanton — the son of David Stanton — seeking the nomination.

In Cork North-West, councillor Michael Creed is seeking to replace his first cousin, TD Michael Creed, as the Fine Gael candidate.