Bantry Electoral Area – Cork County Council

THERE are 13 candidates seeking just five seats in the Bantry Electoral Area of Cork County Council.

BURKE, JOE (Non-Party):

Joe Burke, who is widely known throughout West Cork as a campaigner against overhead power lines, is standing as an independent candidate in the Bantry Electoral Area.

Joe, and neighbouring landowners, successfully resisted attempts by the ESB and a private developer to erect overhead power lines through their land, and achieved a solution that was acceptable to all.

After a campaign that lasted three years and went as far as the High Court, the ESB and the private developer bowed to the power of the people and agreed to place the lines underground.

He said: “The reason I am seeking election is because I believe that I am 'a man to get things done' and I don't believe in giving just 20% of my time and attention to the ordinary, working man – like some councillors do.

Joe said: “I am calling on the disgruntled voters out there, who are fed up of the way the country is being run, and the questionable handling of the country's banking crisis by the Government.”

Joe said he realises that the powers of county councillors are limited, however, he said: “They have an important role to play in putting pressure on our local TDs to keep our jobs safe and our hospital services intact.

“I also believe it is vital that people's entitlement to build houses on their land must be protected because the council is trying to introduce new rules governing one-off housing in rural areas.”

Another area that Joe said is badly neglected is farming and fishing. He claims that farmers and fishermen are being treated unfairly because the costs of production are so high.

“There is, for example, a perception that farmers are availing of large European Union subsidies, but this money is used to offset the cost of producing high quality food, bearing in mind that farmers are getting the same price for their milk and beef that they were getting thirty years ago.

“The fishing industry is also being placed at a severe disadvantage because our waters are being plundered by other EU countries that are better equipped with larger vessels and less stringent policing.”

As one of twelve members of a well-known sporting family, Joe said: “It plays a big part in my life. And, as a person who has had a transplant, I am happy to be on the Irish Transplant Team that competed in Germany last year.”

Joe said he was pleased that the concerns he and other farmers had with regard to the proposed development of three new GAA playing pitches at Newtown have been resolved.

“I am pleased to say that after making strong and clear recommendations at the pre-planning meetings, the pitches will not be raised and put our farmland at risk of flooding.

However, he said he thought it was unfair of the local councillors to reject the material contravention that would have paved the way for a new Tesco in Bantry, and brought much-needed jobs to the town.

CROWLEY, DANNY (Fianna Fail):

I was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1964. I am married to Maureen O’Sullivan and we have three children, Daniel (9), Anna (5) and Jack (3). We live in my home parish of Adrigole, on the Beara Peninsula.

I emigrated to England in the 1980s, along with many others at that time, returning in 1995 to work with County Cork Vocational Educational Committee.

In 2004, I was elected to Cork County Council as a first-time candidate for Fianna Fáil. After the first six months working as an elected member of the council, I decided to take leave of absence from my job in Bantry, where I was working as the Youthreach Co-coordinator, to concentrate on politics full-time.

Over the last five years I have continued to work hard in local politics to ensure that many issues and concerns are raised, debated and, where possible, solutions engaged.

In the Bantry electoral area it is important to ensure that we see economic growth, to try and sustain our current population and also encourage our young people to live in the area they were brought up in.

During the recent ‘County Development Plan’ process, I objected to a proposal by the Planning Policy Unit to designate the peninsular regions as “Special Scenic Landscapes”.

In my opinion this proposed designation would have had serious implications for the rural communities and would have prevented many of our young people, who are already having difficulties in securing planning permission, the opportunity of building a family home in their own parish and community.

I would again repeat that the proposal submitted to the members of Cork County Council on December 22 had zero benefit to people who have the best interest of West Cork as a region and I would congratulate the West Cork I.F.A and those who travelled to Cork on that day for achieving fairness for the next generation.

Our young people should not be held responsible for the poor planning that has resulted in hundreds of houses in many of our towns and villages being built and left unsold.

I could not support any policy objective which would then direct population growth and young people from our rural communities to an urban setting. The manager has indicated that this will now be revisited during the ‘Local Area Plan’ process with full consultation taking place.

Currently, the future of Bantry General Hospital is a very real concern by all of us living in West Cork. It is important that an agreed approach by all the stakeholders will be documented and a long-term plan for the hospital is published. The needs of the patients will have to come first and I am confident that during this consultation period, that this can be achieved.

I am looking forward to meeting the people during my canvass and discussing the many current issues and concerns at the doorstep. I think that it is important that the electorate have an opportunity to ask candidates where they stand on issues.

HARRINGTON, NOEL (Fine Gael):

Since being elected Mayor of Cork County, Noel Harrington, has worked tirelessly to promote the interests not only of Cork County, but also his native Castletownbere and Beara peninsula.

Noel – who was first elected in June 1999 and re-elected in 2004 – is proud to hold the seat that was originally won by his father, Donie, in 1974. After Donie's untimely death in 1981, Michael Harrington retained the seat for Fine Gael and went on to become chairman of Cork County Council.

When Michael retired in 1999, Noel took up the challenge at the age of twenty-eight and proved himself to be an astute and accomplished representative for the people of Beara.

As a noted public speaker, Noel never ceases to connect with his audience and his term as Mayor has proven him to be one of the finest young politicians around, and a public representative that has the potential to work at a higher level.

Intelligent and well-briefed, he has shown that he commands respect from members and officials of the council when debating issues on behalf of the people he represents from Glengarriff to Allihies, Ardgroom to Bere Island, and Castletownbere to Eyeries and Adrigole.

As a member of the West Cork Enterprise Board and the South West Regional Authority, Noel has continuously highlighted the need for policies that focus on the economic and social regeneration of rural areas.

As someone who spearheaded the campaign to re-instate the Cork Swansea Ferry, Noel said: “The ferry service was worth € 35 million to the region each year and we must do all that we can to bring it back.”

Another essential West Cork facility that needs to be preserved, according to Noel, is the surgical services at Bantry General Hospital, and the intensive care services it provides on a twenty-four hour basis.

“The provision of infrastructure, such as water, wastewater, roads and broadband, are also critical for the economic future of West Cork.

“We must preserve the jobs we have, and create new employment opportunities in Beara if we are to maintain our present population levels and build on the economic viability of our community.

“Fishing, farming and tourism has always been our bread and butter,” said Noel, “and our future policy decisions will have to enhance and support these industries.”

Noel (38) owes much of his success to the support of his wife, Catherine, sons Cormac and Declan, and baby daughter, Maria. His hard-working and dedicated staff at Castletownbere Post Office also allows him the time to fulfil his duties and obligations as a member of Cork County Council.

The last twelve months have been especially busy and have taken him away from home a lot of the time. But, he said: “It was a tremendous honour and it allows me to positively represent the area.”

Over the coming weeks, Noel will be calling on every household in the Beara Peninsula to try and meet with as many people as possible to ask for their support on June 5 next.

HEGARTY, MARY (Fine Gael):

Fine Gael has decided to run female candidate Mrs. Mary Hegarty, a member of Bantry Town Council and Former Mayor, in the Bantry Electoral Area on June 5 next.

Mary has made a considerable impact at local and county level and as Bantry’s representative on the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland and the Specific Policy Committee, which relates to Arts Libraries and Culture.

Mary was educated at Mercy Heights in Skibbereen where her late father, Dan Casey was Bank manager of A.I.B. After school Mary joined the AIB in Bantry. Following her marriage to local man James Hegarty in 1978, they ran the family Business “Barry’s in the Square for twenty-five years.

Mary ran for Bantry Town Council in 2004 and was elected on the first count. She was elected Mayor from 2007-2008 during which her boundless energy, and dedication to the job her enthusiasm, accessibility and down to earth approach marked her as a politician for all the people and a breath of fresh air in political circles.

Being a mother of two sons, Henry and Gerald, Mary is aware of the needs of young people. •One of her main priorities is to campaign to have the new integrated school developed side-by-side with the proposed new sports complex and Gaelscoil.

Mary has championed the highly successful “Attic Youth Café” in Bantry, which is providing such a necessary outlet for teenagers in an alcohol and drug free environment.

As member of Bantry Care for the Aged she feels our elderly population will have to be looked after and she will be lobbing Cork County Council for additional housing and recreational facilities for those much valued but often-neglected members of our communities.

Mary is also a member of the Bantry Hospice Project and is heavily involved in fundraising for the much-needed facility. She also supports the efforts made by the Friends of Bantry Hospital to keep all surgical and emergency services open.

Mary was one of the main participants and launched the Voice of Rural Women Conference in Glengarriff in 2007. As PRO of Bantry Agricultural Show she has connected superbly with the farming community.

Mary has an ongoing commitment to Bantry’s Fairtrade organization to give third world farmers a fair price for their produce. Mary is also a member of the Board of Bantry Energy Trust and sees the potential for jobs in the insulation of houses.

Mary welcomes the return of the Cork Swansea Ferry and feels the untold potential of West Cork has not been tapped into. She is on the Board of the West Cork Music Festival and said it, and the Literary Festival, attract many visitors to West Cork each year.

A keen walker herself, Mary has a huge interest in the Dept of Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs walks initiative. She believes these are some of the resources we need to cultivate our tourism industry.

Mary said she believes it is important that the electorate has a choice of new candidates to ensure diversity and change.

KINGSTON, MICHAEL (Fianna Fail):

Michael Kingston said he considers it a privilege to have been given a chance to represent the people of Bantry and its regions.

When asked by the Goleen Fianna Fáil Cumann if he would allow his name to be put forward for selection, he said it was not something he would pass on lightly because he is very proud of his background in West Cork and its people.

Now that he has been placed on the party ticket in the Bantry Electoral Area, he said: “It is my aim to do everything I can for our area.”

In 1985, at the age of ten, Michael was sent to an international Benedictine boarding school in England. It was a time when relations with our neighbours were at an all time low and he had to grow up fairly quickly.

“It was a tough test,” he said, but one that he was glad to have experienced because it taught him a lot about being positive in the face of adversity. Michael's strength of character, together with his many experiences working as a litigation solicitor, held him in good stead in any dealings that he has had in his life.

He has a strong background in fishing and farming, having been brought up on his uncle's farm, and having fished his father’s 26’ Hegarty fishing boat to help him through college. His great grandfather, Taidgh O’Mahony from Kilcrohane ran a successful seine fishing business, which supported many families in the area at the time.

Since his selection, Michael has been involved in a number of initiatives to help promote the area including the Swansea-Cork ferry reinstatement; conducting negotiations for Greenways Ireland for walkway insurance to protect landowner's interests across West Cork; and helping to establish new routes to promote Bantry and its regions to tourists.

Michael said he has also discussed Bantry as a tourist destination with the French Ambassador. And he has been fighting for employers on issues regarding the new Employment Law Bill, Bantry Harbour Authority, and Bantry General Hospital.

In addition to specific work on these issues, Michael tabled three motions at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis. One appeared on national television with Michael advocating the need for the inclusion of people’s concerns in the implementation of policies in rural Ireland on a raft of issues from planning to fishing to farming, which are of crucial importance in terms of creating sustainable employment in our area.

Michael said he considers it a privilege to have been asked to join the Board of The Friends of Bantry Hospital and assist and advise them in protecting the services and employment that it provides. His pro-active strategy for negotiation, based on the Constitutional Rights of the citizens of West Cork, was considered most welcome.

Michael said that he has the ability to fight without fear or favour for the interests of the Bantry Electoral Area and its people and he hopes they will return him on June 5 next.

McBREARTY, MECKY (Non-Party):

Mecky McBrearty has registered to stand as an independent candidate in the Bantry Electoral Area.

She is known in the locality through her stall at the various farmers' markets that are held in Skibbereen, Bantry and Schull.

Although originally from Germany, Mecky is now living in Schull. She has a background in human ecology, but has also studied political science, philosophy and pedagogic science at the Goethe University.

In a press release submitted to The Southern Star, Mecky said: “I am running for transparency in democratic decisions, the protection of environment and the sustainable development of work.”

Mecky has a good understanding of environmental issues having worked as a project manager for a variety of environmental and employment projects, as well as having worked, for a time, on organic farms.•

She was once the proprietor of an organic restaurant and is a certified organic food producer. Mecky said her passion is to work for human rights and her vision is to “bring back honesty and integrity to the political forum.”

MURPHY, PATRIK (Fianna Fail):

These are challenging times to be running for Fianna Fail, but Patrick Murphy believes he's up to the job.

Patrick has devoted himself full time to politics since he was co-opted to Cork County Council to replace Donal Casey in the summer of 2008.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to enter politics – and believe me the selection process was difficult – but it made me think about why I wanted to get involved and what I hoped to achieve as a councillor,” he said.

Patrick has a long history in local development, and is currently the chairperson of the West Cork Development Partnership, which has just announced a budget of € 14.6 million for rural development in the West Cork area.

For many years, Patrick has been active in community and voluntary organisations in Bantry and the greater West Cork area, such as the West Cork Rural Transport, the Attic Youth Café, the Caring Peninsulas project and the West Cork Mental Health forum to name but a few.

Patrick, who has been a wheelchair user since an accident in 1993, said: “I know the difficulties that life can throw at you, but I have always strived to improve the lives of people in my community, who have been disadvantaged either economically or socially. I believe that everyone has a voice and that their voice should be heard.

“In my short time in the council I have helped many local people achieve their dream of building a house in their community, and I have found that by working with council officials many obstacles can be overcome through dialogue rather than confrontation.”

If elected, he said he would devote himself to providing decent GAA, basketball, rugby and athletics facilities for all members of the community, especially the young.

Through his involvement with the West Cork Development Partnership, the West Cork Enterprise Board, FAS and many others, he said he would work to sustain employment and create new job opportunities in the area.

Patrick said: “Indigenous industries, such as farming, tourism, fishing and local food production are vital to our continued economic growth.”

The councillor said that Bantry General Hospital is providing a vital service to everyone in West Cork, and that he would continue to fight for the retention of these essential services, as well as the development of a Primary Care Centre.

In the current economic climate, Patrick said: “ The construction industry is under pressure, but the reality here in Bantry is that we still have a deficit of social and affordable housing due in part to the lack of a sufficient water supply.

“Now that an interim solution to the water supply problem has been provided, I will strive to ensure that serviced sites will be provided to the people of the Bantry area.

“In my time on the council, I have worked tirelessly for the people of the Bantry Electoral Area and I hope that come June the 6 next, I can continue to do so as their elected representative.”

O’LEARY, ANNE (Non-Party):

I am running as an independent candidate for Cork County Council.

I believe that decisions made at County Council should reflect the needs of ordinary people and – as an independent – I will be answerable to the people and help solve their problems.

I have been in Bantry for more than thirty years and have taught locally. In 1999 and 2004, I topped the poll in the town council elections for Sinn Féin.

I have been involved in the Reenrour East Residents Association, the boards of Management of Gaelscoil Bheanntrai and Ard Scoil Phobal, as well as the tidy towns committee.

Now more than ever, I believe the regeneration of Bantry town is essential. We are facing an unprecedented financial crisis caused by the shameful squandering of public money and the challenge now is to manage what we have got fairly and equitably.

We must prioritise important services such as health, employment, education to help sustain the rural community.

Bantry General Hospital, which serves the huge geographical area of West Cork and South Kerry, is threatened with the dismantling of some of its vital services. I believe that no diminution of its services can be tolerated.

Equally, we should not lose sight of our other smaller hospitals in Schull and Castletownbere that perform an invaluable service in their areas. Mental health issues and the protection of the carers' allowances are also very important and cannot be ignored.

Payments to farmers should be made on time to generate cash flow and maintain jobs and employment in our rural communities. The abandoned schemes such as the Early Retirement Scheme, Installation Aid Grant for young farmers and the savage 25% cut to the Disadvantaged Area Based payments should be reinstated. Less bureaucracy and paper work and a more compassionate departmental attitude towards penalty payments is needed.

A complete overhaul of the planning system is also needed: Sustainable one-off housing will generate employment for small builders and sustains rural communities.

The new Special Areas of Conservation designations are not being properly explained to the people most affected by them. Proper compensation must be paid to those farmers whose land has been sterilised by decisions of Cork County Council to locate water schemes therein. Single people’s housing needs also have to be catered for.

Many of our road surfaces are absolutely deplorable and there is a serious shortfall in the amount of money we pay in road tax and what is being spent on the roads.

The over-regulation and overpolicing of fishing ports is commonplace and a renegotiation of the system is needed so that Irish fishermen will be able to catch more fish and safeguard their livelihoods.

In conclusion, I also believe that the VAT rate should be cut to boost the retail sector, construction and motor industry; the broadband network also needs to be completed; and that parents should not be asked to make up the shortfall in the provision of services in our schools.

O’SHEA, JOHN (Fine Gael):

John O'Shea is an experienced local politician who has served ten years as an elected member of Cork County Council.

Since he took the historic third seat for Fine Gael in 1999, John has been to the forefront of local politics. He was even voted Mayor of Cork County in 2006.

John has been most vocal in his bid to safeguard the twentyfour hour surgical services at Bantry General Hospital, as well as its intensive care unit.

John claims that people from West Cork died on the way to Cork hospitals prior to the twenty-four hour surgical services being established in Bantry, and said: “I do not want to see us going back to the bad old days.”

John's campaign style of politics earned him a national profile when he took on Eircom, in a bid to prevent the company from removing pay phones in the locality.

He was so successful on that occasion that he not only saved the pay phones but also had phones that had been removed reinstated.

As a member of the Vocational Education Committee (VEC), John said he is confident that a second-level school, Gaelscoil and sporting facilities, will be built in Bantry.

However, he did say he was disappointed that more progress has not been made because the lands were bought by the VEC on behalf of the Department of Education and Science more than four years ago.

The Fine Gael councillor said he campaigned successfully for investment in the beach area and welcomed Cork County Council's decision to pay its remaining € 175,000 contribution towards the cost of establishing a loop walk known as the Beicin.

John also claims that an ecological disaster was prevented in Ballydehob, when he successfully campaigned and prevented untreated leachate being dumped into the inner harbour.

He said: “I am delighted to finally see work on the Bantry Sewerage Scheme and the Bantry Interim Water Scheme progressing.”

Commenting on the efforts that have been made to re-instate the Swansea Cork Ferry, John said: “I believe the service is vital for our tourism industry and I hope the co-operative's efforts will become a reality.”

As well as being a member of Cork County Council, John O'Shea is also a farmer. He said he understands the concerns of the rural communities: “Prices have fallen to unsustainable levels, yet inputs have escalated.”

As custodians of the countryside, John said the farming community must have a major input into planning policy at local and national level.

He commented on the challenges facing business communities throughout West Cork who are facing ever-increasing costs. “I believe breaks should be given to the many small businesses that are struggling to keep their doors open.

The councillor said he also believed an urgent relief package is needed for homeowners who find it increasingly difficult to meet their mortgage commitments.

Meanwhile, he said central government must make more funding available to cashstrapped local authorities to provide more affordable housing and serviced sites.

O’SULLIVAN, MICHAEL ‘Miney” (Non-Party):

“When I campaigned in 2004, my main issues were planning, tourism, Bantry Hospital and unemployment in our rural areas,” said Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, the independent candidate from Allihies on the Beara Peninsula.

“It's now 2009 and I am back campaigning on those same issues because nothing has been done by the councillors who were elected in 2004,” said Michael, who believes a great injustice has been done to the people of West Cork.

If elected this time, he said: “I would work tirelessly for the betterment of the general community.”

For years, Michael has worked extensively with the fishermen. He said he has brought them to Brussels, arranged meetings with MEPs and EU Commissioners, and stood by them throughout. “No councillor, or Minister, has ever tried, or succeeded, in achieving same,” he said.

Having helped to secure € 10,000 funding and establish a Foroige-run Youth Café in the previous offices of “The Haven” in Castletownbere, Michael said: “I am thrilled to have been involved in providing a much-needed service for youth in our area.”

Michael said he showed forward thinking in 2004 when he mooted an All-Ireland Air Ambulance Service. “Now it is a reality and it shows that I will follow through on a commitment I make to the people.”

As one of the trustees of the All-Ireland Air Ambulance Service, he added: “I am pleased all our hard work and dedication has paid off. The helicopter is now here and awaiting clearance from Minister Harney and the HSE.

“Thanks must go to the good people of Ireland – through their continuous generous donations this free service will be available to all members of the public.”

In 2004, Michael said he warned that the Hanly Report would have serious consequences for Bantry General Hospital and stated, at the time, that the accident and emergency services are vital and need to be protected.

Commenting on moves to cutback services, Michael said: “Unfortunately, I have been proven to be correct and I am currently fighting tooth and nail for the retention of these services.”

As an area containing the most wonderful natural resources of beautiful scenery and warm welcoming people, Michael said: “Tourism is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of West Cork.

“The potential to create a greater number of tourism jobs is tremendous, but proper planning and infrastructure is vital if the industry is to develop in the manner that it can.”

Funding is available, through many EU sources, but knowledge of the route to Brussels is essential, according to Michael, who said he has had plenty of experience in Europe through his work with the fishing industry and rural development organisations.

Michael claimed that people's inability to build on their own land “is an infringement of our constitutional rights, regardless of whether it is a young couple, a small industry or a farmyard enterprise.”

If elected as an independent candidate, Michael said: “My loyalty will not lie with any party policy, but with the fine people of the Bantry Electoral Area.”

OSPINA, JOSÉ (Labour Party):

José Ospina has been deeply involved and committed to community development for most of his life.

The Labour party candidate, who is standing in the Bantry Electoral Area, said: “I have worked on a range of projects, which were aimed at meeting the needs of the most vulnerable groups in society, and environmental initiatives that addressed key issues like waste management and the protection of the environment.

“This is a critical time for West Cork and the country, when fundamental change is required and I believe that my experience can help bring that about.

“The Labour party most closely reflects my principles and my aspirations,” said José, who was honoured with the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Award in 2007 for his work with Carbery Housing Association.

The association was set up by concerned residents to provide sustainable housing for single people and families that cannot afford to buy, or rent, on the open market.

José said: “The bursting of the housing bubble has placed thousands of families at risk of repossession and homelessness. In Cork county alone, José said the number of applicants on the housing list is over 11,000, many of whom have been on the waiting list for over seven years.

“At the same time, the foreclosure of enterprises due to the shrinking economy is pushing up unemployment, which is estimated to reach half a million people by next year.”

It has been estimated that each unemployed person costs the taxpayer around € 20,000 a year to support. Meanwhile, bank bailouts have added to declining tax revenues and are placing a great strain on public finances, resulting in a raft of unacceptable cuts to infrastructure, welfare and health services.

José believes this is the worst time possible to be making these cutbacks because the country will need roads, sanitation and water services, as well as a good health and social service if it is to retain jobs and safeguard future development.

“I am proposing a closer partnership between the council, local communities and their social, environmental and cultural initiatives, such as childcare, youth cafés, street markets, social housing initiatives, cultural and leisure projects.

“It will create the conditions needed for community-led development. If supported, these initiatives will improve the quality of life for all local residents, create jobs and training opportunities, combat climate change, protect the environment and renew biodiversity. They should also attract investment from private, public and European sources.”

Since he moved to Aughadown in Skibbereen with his wife, Alison, and their three children in 1996, José has worked as a consultant for a number of local authorities, community and educational organisations on a range of projects including one for sustainable social housing in West Cork.

José is currently managing a project with the University of Limerick to advise the Department of Environment on the reuse of electronic goods, and another EU-funded project to develop a 'green' computer. In the meantime, he works as a freelance BER energy assessor.

SHEEHAN, DERMOT (Fine Gael):

The term dependable is one that Dermot Sheehan has earned for himself over the past twentyfive years working with the people of West Cork, as an auctioneer, proprietor of Sheehan’s Foodstore in Goleen, and in his various voluntary roles.

Dermot is the eldest of a family of four, and only son of Fine Gael T.D. P. J. Sheehan and his wife Frances. When PJ regained the second seat for Fine Gael in the 2007 general election, Dermot was the unanimous choice of the Fine Gael party to replace him on Cork County Council and Dermot was duly co-opted on June 20 of that year.

Since his co-option the Goleenbased county councillor has earned the respect of his peers in County Hall for the manner and professionalism with which he has approached his work.

It would probably be fair to say that Dermot has served “the longest political apprenticeship of anyone in the country” – a reference to the Sheehan family where politics, and serving the general public, has always been a part of everyday life.

Having completed his secondary education at 'Colaiste Iosagain' in Ballyvourney, Dermot decided that he wanted to make his life in West Cork.

Since then he has built up and extended the family’s business interests in both the grocery and auctioneering trades, as well as opening a second auctioneering office in Bantry, and extending the grocery business in Goleen.

Dermot is an appointed Peace Commissioner, and also a member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, Confederation Euro peene De L’Immobilier, the IFA, the GAA and Bantry Bay Golf Club. However, due to work commitments, he is the first to admit that his golf game is nowhere near par.

The Fine Gael councillor said he is very aware of the problems faced by the people of the Bantry Electoral Area.

A lifetime, as an integral part of P. J.’s election and backroom team, has afforded him the opportunity of being in constant contact with the electorate, and it would be fair to say that there are very few doorsteps that Dermot has not called to on a professional basis, or during numerous election campaigns.

This personal approach has enabled Dermot to develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges facing communities in today's unpredictable world.

Having had just twenty months to consolidate his position in the electoral field, Dermot said the election on June 5 next does present a challenge.

However, he is proud of his achievements to date and, if reelected, is determined to be an advocate for the enhancement and protection of all the communities in West Cork.

“I will continue the fight to secure our future: structurally, financially, and environmentally in line with the wishes of you the electorate,” said Dermot, whose motto for the life of the new council will be: “The Voice of the People Must be Heard.”

Dermot pledges that if you honour him with your 'No 1 Vote' on June 5 next your commitment will be his commitment.

SIMPSON. SAM (Sinn Fein):

I have recently been selected by Sinn Féin to contest the upcoming County Council elections for the Bantry area.

Originally from Cork City, I emigrated to England in the late 1980's along with many others at that time, working first in the building line as well as some time working in the mental health services there. As a factory worker I was active in the TGWU union for eight years before returning to Ireland in 2006. I am now living in Durrus with my wife Lesley and our three children.

I believe there is a desperate need to restore integrity and root out corruption in Irish public life. If we are to tackle the many serious problems we face as a country it will require creative longterm planning, where the needs of ordinary people are placed above the creation of profits for the few.

Unfortunately the past decades have seen the rule of 'mé féin' politics, driven by shortsighted motives of greed at the highest level. Our two main political parties still follow the same basic policies, pursuing the privatisation of our health, education and public services, while selling off our valuable natural resources with no benefit to the Irish people. The young, the sick, the old and those in rural communities in particular will continue to suffer as a result.

I am proud to represent a Sinn Féin party where the needs of working people across the thirtytwo Counties are given priority not just by local councillors but also at the heart of party policy. Our Dáil TD'S have worked tirelessly to highlight the needs of fishermen, small farmers and rural communities including those in West Cork, putting forward viable proposals to ensure their survival after consulting directly with the people of those communities themselves.

The first duty of an elected representative is to answer to those who elect them – to be available, to listen, to learn, and to work tirelessly on their behalf. If elected, my first priorities would include the protection of services at Bantry Hospital. I believe rural communities are coming under increasing threat, and the centralisation of our health service is just one aspect of this assault.

Any further reduction in the services at Bantry Hospital would amount to criminal neglect on the behalf of government – it cannot be allowed to happen. I would also work to ensure that all planning applications undergo a full process of consultation with the local communities involved, with the aim of preserving our rural settlement patterns in a responsible and sustainable manner.

If we are to emerge from this recession, it will require more than panic measures of taxes and cutbacks. Cuts in education are short-sighted and will hinder our long-term recovery. It is crucial that education and training facilities are developed.

I believe there is a bright and sustainable future for our rural communities here in West Cork if we invest wisely and develop in areas such as aquaculture and fishing, agri-business and organic farming, agri-tourism and renewable energy.