Voters back Noel McCarthy, not the party in Cork East

An election candidate who metamorphosed from Labour to Independent and to Fine Gael within a matter of weeks is seen as a strong contender for one of the four seats in Cork East.

Fine Gael drafted in councillor Noel McCarthy because of his popularity, but the move could backfire on the party.

Some party sources believe Mr McCarthy, a 53-year-old off-licence owner, was a sweeper who would take votes off councillor Kevin O’Keeffe (FF) and TD Sean Sherlock (Lab). But he could well take votes off near neighbour and Fine Gael TD Tom Barry.