O’Shea selected to contest next Local Election for Fine Gael in Kanturk/Charleville area

North Cork Councillor John Paul O’Shea has been selected to contest the next Local Election for Fine Gael in the newly-established Kanturk/Charleville Municipal Area. Cllr. O’Shea was selected alongside his colleague Cllr. Gerald Murphy. 

Speaking at the well-attended selection convention which took place in the Charleville Park Hotel on Sunday, 24 February, Cllr. O’Shea said he was looking forward to the challenge of winning a seat for Fine Gael in the Local Election on 24 May. 

“My decision to enter the politic stage and put myself forward for election in 2009 was because I wanted to, and believed I could, make a positive contribution to my area. I wanted to ensure that the people of North Cork were heard, both within Cork County Council and nationally. I wanted to improve services and infrastructure, promote investment and development, and maximise opportunities for the North Cork area. 

“I am confident that I have done my best to represent North Cork over the past 10 years, and it is for this reason that I have put my name forward to continue representing this area as an elected public representative.” 

He added: “The Fine Gael party’s ambition for Ireland is to build a Republic of Opportunity — supporting you and your family, strengthening your community and building a sustainable future for everyone. The party is focused on protecting our economy and making people’s lives better, particularly hard-pressed working families. I have been privileged to play my role in the Fine Gael story over the past 12 months, and I look forward to having the opportunity to continue this role in the years ahead. 

“My election in 2009 to Cork County Council came at a time when the country was facing into a crippling economic recession, when unemployment was skyrocketing and when the country was on its knees. Through much hard work at all levels of Irish politics, led by Fine Gael since its election to Government in 2011, Ireland has recovered from this recession and is in the process of building a brighter future built on sustainable politics.   

“Despite this difficult starting point, a lot of good work has been achieved in our local area in the past 10 years. I have a strong track record in getting involved in issues of importance for the people in my area and for representing the party views and policies on a regular basis,” Cllr. O’Shea said. 

Cllr. O’Shea was first elected to Cork County Council in 2009, with a 12.51% share of the first preference vote, and retained his seat in 2014, topping the poll with 20.53%. He served as the Mayor of Cork County in 2015/16 and has been a member of Fine Gael since February 2018. In June 2018 Cllr. O’Shea was selected to contest the next General Election for Fine Gael in the constituency of Cork North West.