Sinn Féin gains third city on Cork City Council

Sinn Féin has gained a third seat in Cork City Council with the co-option of Fiona Kerins, who has filled the vacancy left by the death of Independent Councillor Con O’Connell.  Councillor Kerins was co-opted last Monday as the candidate polling the next highest vote in the 2004 election after the five elected councillors, where she lost out by just 34 votes.
A native of Ballyphehane Ms Kerins at 22 is the youngest member of Cork City Council and has pledged to use her position as a City Councillor to raise the concerns of young people in the City.
On taking her seat Cllr. Kerins paid tribute to the late Councillor O’Connell.
“The death of Con O’Connell will be felt by many people throughout Cork South Central, an area he served so well over many years.  I wish to extend my condolences to his family and many friends”, she said.
“For my part, I hope to continue in his tradition, to provide strong representation for the people in the South City and to ensure they have a voice from outside the political establishment.
“As a young woman, I believe that I can bring a new and vibrant perspective to City Hall.  I will be campaigning and lobbying for more investment in youth facilities in the South City and increased financial support for local sports clubs and community groups. For too long the needs of youth have been neglected in this City.
“I will work alongside my Sinn Féin colleagues in City Hall to fight for the delivery of social and affordable housing for families, and a fully transparent point’s allocation system so that people know exactly where they are on the housing list and on what basis housing allocations are made”, Councillor Kerins said.