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FINE GAEL POLITICIANS ARE “lining up” to replace Simon Coveney in the Cork South Central constituency, Taoiseach Simon Harris has told reporters.
The former Tánaiste announced on Wednesday that he will not be contesting the next general election and is “stepping out of politics”.
In the statement, he thanked party members in his constituency, saying: “Being elected for 26 years has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South Central have put in me.”
As the political heavyweight moves aside, six Fine Gael politicians are believed to be vying to take Coveney’s place.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One this week about his departure, Coveney namechecked a number of people who were looking to fill his shoes, such as: Senator and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann Jerry Buttimer, councillors Shane O’Callaghan, Des Cahill, Úna McCarthy and Jack White, and European election candidate and former Bord Gais CEO John Mullins.
Cork South Central is one of the most high-profile constituencies in the country, with Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin and Michael McGrath and Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire all holding seats.
With the departure of McGrath to the European Commission, there will be another seat up for grabs, with many speculating that that McGrath’s brother, Seamus, is likely to throw his hat in the ring, having received the highest number of first preference votes in the country last month when he was re-elected in Carrigaline.
“My brother Seamus has indicated that he’s anxious to run, I think he’d be a fantastic candidate but there’s a process to go through and others may well put up their hand and seek to run for the party as well,” McGrath told the Cork Echo this week.
Though one Fine Gael seat is up for grabs with Coveney stepping back, Fine Gael are hoping to take as many as two seats in the newly-expanded five-seat constituency.
The nominations closed last night and the selection convention will be held on 23 July.
Coveney said there is a lot of talent in his own constituency, stating this week that it is time to give someone else the chance. Of the six that have voiced their interest, they are ambitious, smart and motivated, he said.
The outgoing TD has said he has made a point of not picking sides in the contest.
The Taoiseach commended Coveney on the work done in the Cork South Central constituency this week stating that as a result of it, “they are lining up to replace him”.
“There are many people who want to be the next Fine Gael TD or the next two Fine Gael TDs for Cork South Central,” said Harris, stating his party “will be putting forward a very competitive ticket in Cork South Central”.
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Can’t beat the gravy train and best of all never account for anything or answer for it, anything goes seriously wrong just take a pension and lump sum its a win win.
@Paddy C: Why don’t you jump on it if it’s so great?
@Paddy C: We need politicians. I think Coveney was a good one who represented Ireland well. It’s a tough job, and getting tougher.
@Jason Memail: Suppose most people like their souls and dont want to have to give that away in order to jump into bed with the devil also known as Irish politics…..its a tough choice for sure, throw your morals, spine and soul out the window for a few years at the taxpayer trough and first class on the gravy train, And the best part is unlike a normal job u can mess up time after time after time, cos the country money and u still cant be sacked for some reason.
@Tom Newell: spot on
@Jason Memail: It’s a big club and you ain’t in it.
@Paddy C: Politics attracts sociopaths.
@Eric Gaffney: That’s the point. I don’t want to be in it, but if people think it’s a cushy number, why don’t they all jump in? No amount of money would pay me to have to deal with the absolute dregs that politicians have to appease
@Paddy C: TDs can’t claim their pension till they’re 65, something that was changed two decades ago.
@Tom Newell: no decent politican will jump into bed with the devils, especially as SF/IRA support continues to rapidly decline
@Dere: It attracts low-lifes
He was much too closely attached to vested interests for my liking!
@Padraig O’Brien: agreed.Was the brother involved in the RTE controversy.
Lotta of senior trough masters jumping jumping ship from the bisto gravy train before the GE. Hopefully the next crop actually serve the voters first before anything else…..
Surely Catherine Zappone must be in the running.,………
@SV3tN8M4: hahaha Zappone Baloney
Lining up to fill their own pockets more likely.
Pardon my cynicism.
@James Leahy. And the other brother @ Greencore and that’s only the tip of an iceberg!
his shoes will be easily filled!
Will it be back to Newstalk for Chris Donoghue now. All the Best.
In most countries people vote for the politicians whom they think will do most good for the country, in Ireland people vote for the politicians whom they think will do least damage to the country!
@Brian Hunt: wrong. Anyone I know votes for TDs that will benefit and protect our economy and democracy.
Comments not open on the article in which Mary Lou seems to saying that Sinn Féin are losing support because they are not doing enough flip flopping.
@Nodon: Ya it’s strange, usually the Journal have them open on SF so you and ur ilk can bash them, while most FG ones are closed.
Poor Tom Newell has failed at life and insists on blaming others for his misery. How does it feel to be a failure Tom?
@Sun Rise: At least Mr Newell uses his name
Meanwhile, SF showed off their dirty linen. Mary Lou should be replaced.
How big are they ?
@Mary.E. it’s not their size that matters imo. I want people to acknowledge that they’re not a pair of goody two shoes,lol.
have your say