This week, Vulcan’s Irish General Election analysis moves to Cork-South Central: a constituency renowned for its big political personalities and fierce political competition. The departure of two significant names from the ballot paper and the addition of an extra parliamentary seat makes this a constituency everyone wants to know about.
Cork South-Central: Change the only Constant
Two big items of change in Cork South-Central will be the departure of former Tánaiste, Simon Coveney and former Finance Minister, Michael McGrath. Their departure has created a large amount of competition, turning this constituency into a hotbed of uncertainty.
It will be the first time since 1994 that a Coveney hasn’t stood for election with the late Hugh Coveney and Simon Coveney having held a seat for Fine Gael during that time. McGrath, though much newer to the scene, quickly established himself as a high-profile figure within the Fianna Fáil ranks – and his departure to the European stage is a challenge to the party locally.
The other big change comes in the form of an additional seat for the constituency, regaining the fifth seat that was lost before the 2016 General Election.
Runners and riders
How it played out in 2020…
Tánaiste and Leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin is running once again. The former Taoiseach has been consistently elected since 1989: an impressive 25 years. He will be running alongside Seamus McGrath –brother of Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath. Seamus is leader of the Fianna Fáil group on Cork County Council and has been a councillor for 17 years. At the recent local elections, McGrath received the highest first-preference vote of any candidate nationwide – and will be in a very strong position to hold his brother’s seat.
Fine Gael have no such familial baton pass. Local Councillors Shane O’Callaghan and Úna McCarthy were selected to contest at a party convention in July. Since then the addition of Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Jerry Buttimer on to the ticket in September gives the strongest indication the party is actively seeking to take a second seat. Buttimer previously represented the constituency as a TD (2011-2016) – and has been a Senator since that time maintaining a high profile within the constituency. Buttimer lost his Dáil seat in 2016 when the removal of his Bishopstown base from the constituency negatively impacted his vote. However some of this area has now returned to Cork South-Central, following the Boundary Review in August 2023 – enhancing his prospects of a return to the principal chamber.
For Sinn Féin, the new fifth seat hasn’t tempted any bold manoeuvrings yet in search of a second seat. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire who topped the poll in the last election is currently the only selected runner following the party selection convention in September. This is unlikely to change.
The big names of Coveney, McGrath, Ó Laoghaire and Martin left little room for outsiders in 2020. However the addition of a fifth seat reopens the door for smaller parties and independents.
The Green’s candidate, Monica Oikehis (above centre) is a local GP and has been working and living in the Carrigaline area for more than ten years. Cllr. Laura Harmon (above right) was selected as the Labour Party candidate. Harmon has ran unsuccessfully for the Seanad on two separate occasions but built a positive platform during both the Together For Yes and Repeal the 8th campaigns in which she was heavily involved. Another to watch out for is Cllr. Pádraig Rice (above left) of the Social Democrats – he is seen as a rising star within the party. Anna Daly (Aontu) makes up the remainder of party candidates on the ticket so far.
National opinion polls continue to show strong support for independents too. If this is translated into votes on polling day Mick Finn and Ben Dalton O’ Sullivan could emerge as serious contenders for the final seat. Independents have proven a more cohesive political entity than some have expected, transferring exceptionally well to other independents.
Local issues:
Other than the larger national issues, there are several issues which have the potential to frame any political campaign over the coming weeks.
Sustaining the constituency’s economic position
The bustling south side of Cork City falls within this constituency, along with major suburban towns such as Douglas, Carrigaline and Bishopstown. As a result, the heartbeat of Cork’s urban economy revolves around Cork South-Central. Despite an increase in pedestrianisation and outdoor dining options to much acclaim nationwide, hospitality has struggled, leading to several high-profile closures.
This has prompted wider fears for the future prosperity of the city centre and neighbouring suburbs. The decision by government to not reduce VAT for hospitality could be an issue given the cost of doing business was one of three major challenges outlined by the Cork Chamber in its pre-Budget submission.
Incompletion of projects and derelict properties
The volume of vacant and derelict properties in Cork City Centre has been one of the leading themes within the local political landscape. In March 2024, there were 705 vacant and derelict properties across Cork City – with the number of buildings on the derelict sites register up almost 50% in the last year. In the midst of a housing crisis this could well be a hot political topic.
High-profile projects such as The Events Centre remain unfinished, despite a sod-turning ceremony in 2016. There has also been no progress on the former tax office site across the river from the South Main Street. It remains, as one Cork newspaper put it, “a giant dusty hole in the city centre.”
Policing
In September 2024, Cork City Council passed a motion calling on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to consider certain measures “to tackle the antisocial behaviour and open drug use that is occurring on a daily basis on the streets of Cork”. The motion passed resoundingly 21-5, clearly signalling law and order issues are of significance to this electorate and could be another doorstep debate for candidates on Leeside.
