Fine Gael eyes John Mullins as third candidate for Cork South Central seat
Senator Tim Lombard and Cllr Noel O'Donovan will bid to win back a Dáil seat for Fine Gael in Cork South West. Picture: Andy Gibson.
Senator Tim Lombard and Cllr Noel O’Donovan, a former garda, have been selected by Fine Gael in a bid to win back a Dáil seat for the party in Cork South West in the general election.
Mr Lombard, with 21 years of political experience and a senator since 2016, said he has the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to represent the constituency as a TD.
“I have consistently advocated on farming and sustainable agriculture, and I promise to continue fighting for the farming community on nitrates derogation, VAT refunds for farmers, the fodder crisis, and ash die back,” he said.
“I will also continue my advocacy for special education and the provision of services for adults and children with learning differences across the constituency.”
Mr O’Donovan said he will be a strong advocate for the farming and fishing industries, for local businesses, and will work to address the challenges of anti-social behaviour by prioritising law and order.
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They will be running in the three-seater against Independent Michael Collins, Fianna Fáil's Christopher O’Sullivan, and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns.
It comes as speculation continues about the possible addition of businessman John Mullins as a third candidate on the Fine Gael ticket in Cork South Central.
Fine Gael has dismissed the talk as rumours but Mr Mullins, who polled almost 44,000 votes in the recent European elections in Ireland South, said he would run if asked.
“There has been no communication between me and party headquarters about this,” he said.
“But if I happen to be asked, I will run. I got a big vote in the European elections and I believe I could leverage off that.
“And I have made it clear that if I am asked to run, I will move from where we live now in East Cork, back to the constituency, to Bishopstown, where I was raised.”
He was unsuccessful at the party’s recent selection convention, where city councillor Shane O’Callaghan topped the poll with more than 120 votes, with Senator Jerry Buttimer second with more than 60 votes.
But because the party directed that one of the two candidates had to be Carrigaline-based, Cllr Una McCarthy was selected automatically.
Party sources said if a third candidate is added, it will most likely happen in September.
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