Fine Gael adds Jerry Buttimer to its general election ticket in Cork South-Central
Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer arriving for a Council of State meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin in July. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins
Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer has been added to the Fine Gael general election ticket in Cork South-Central by the party executive.
Councillors Shane O’Callaghan and Úna McCarthy had already been selected to run at the next general election after the departure of Simon Coveney.
However, it is understood internal polling shows Mr Buttimer is performing well for the party.
Previously elected to the Dáil in 2011, he was added to the ticket tonight, Wednesday, at a meeting of the Fine Gael executive council.
At the selection convention in July, local members reacted angrily over a “bullshit” party directive about candidate selection as Fine Gael sets out to retain the seat held by former Tánaiste Mr Coveney for 26 years.
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About 300 party members met for their first contested selection convention in the five-seat constituency for years. Five candidates put their names forward, including Mr Buttimer.
However, Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who was chairing the meeting, opened an envelope and read a directive from party headquarters which stated that two candidates should be chosen and that one should be from the Carrigaline area.
It effectively meant that Carrigaline-based councillor Úna McCarthy, the only female candidate, would be added to the ticket, irrespective of how members voted.
Speaking after his addition to the ticket was confirmed, Mr Buttimer said: “I am more committed than ever to advancing the policies and principles that will make a lasting difference for the people of Cork South-Central.
"I believe that together, we can continue to drive forward progress, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every community is empowered."
Meanwhile, a row has erupted among Kerry members of Fine Gael with accusations being made that the candidate was hand-picked by HQ.
Just one of the six local councillors attended the selection convention last week after it was made clear that former GAA star Billy O’Shea was the preferred candidate.
This is the despite the fact that two serving councilllors, Mike Kinelly and Bobby O’Connell had indicated publicly they were interested in running.
It is understood that Tommy Griffin, a local councillor and cousin of outgoing TD Brendan Griffin had also privately indicated to the party that he was considering contesting.
It is understood that all councillors withdrew their names after being visited by Olwyn Enright who is working on Fine Gael’s election strategy.
Mr Griffin hit out at HQ at the meeting, telling members there is now a gulf between the party hierarchy and public representatives.
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